Difference between revisions of "Defiler"

From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
Jump to: navigation, search
 
(41 intermediate revisions by 17 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{cite}}
+
{{CSMPortal}}
{{ChaosPortal}}
+
[[File:DefilerArt10th.jpg|thumb|right|350px|Defiler{{Fn|13}}]]
{|hspace=5 VSPACE=5 align=right cellpadding=3 cellspacing=3 style="clear:right;margin:5px; border:1px solid #090909"
+
The '''Defiler''' is a [[Chaos]] [[Daemon Engine]] and is among the most common of their kind. They were created by the [[Dark Mechanicum]] on the [[Forge World]] of [[Xana|Xana II]] at the command of [[Abaddon the Despoiler]] in preparation for the [[First Black Crusade]].{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|8}}
|colspan=2 align="center"|'''Defiler'''
 
|-
 
|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Image:Defiler.jpg|250px]]
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Allegiance:'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Chaos]]
 
|-
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Type:'''
 
|cellpadding=2 cellspacing=1 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|[[Daemon Engine]]
 
|-
 
|align=center colspan=2 style="font-size:85%;font:85%"|'''Sightings'''<br>
 
[[13th Black Crusade]]<br>
 
|}
 
 
 
Of all the [[daemon]]ic machines which the [[Imperium]] must face, '''Defilers''' are most likely the most common [[Daemon Engine]]s in the service of the [[Chaos Space Marine]]s. They were created at the command of [[Ezekyle Abaddon|Abaddon the Despoiler]].<sup>1</sup>
 
 
 
===Daemonic presence===
 
While having a distinct appearance, Defilers have another much more sinister aspect. Unlike the tanks and vehicles of the Imperium, which are operated by [[human]]s, Defilers are controlled by a [[daemon]]. [[Chaos Sorcerer]]s use arcane Chaos magics to draw the essence of a powerful daemon from the [[Warp]] and trap it within the rune-bound hull of the machine. Powerful spells of appeasement and pacification are utilised to keep the newly bound daemon from causing havoc among the forces of [[Chaos]].<sup>2</sup>
 
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
Standing on six piston-driven limbs, the Defiler's hull supports a massive turret, which houses the main armaments of the infernal machine. While Defilers are usually seen with large arrays of weapons, such as [[Reaper Autocannon]] and the [[Havoc Launcher]], its main firepower comes in the form of a [[battle cannon]]. There are often variations of the weapon systems used; in some cases, Reaper Autocannons have been upgraded to house twin-linked [[heavy bolter]]s or [[lascannon]]s instead, whereas there have been sightings of Defilers with [[heavy flamer]]s on multiple occasions.
+
[[File:40k-110-chaos-defiler.jpg|thumb|right|280px|Chaos Defiler]]
 
+
[[Image:Defiler6.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Defiler]]
===Close combat===
+
Unlike the tanks and vehicles of the [[Imperium]], which are mostly operated by [[human]]s, a Defiler is controlled by a [[daemon]]. [[Chaos Sorcerer]]s use arcane Chaos magic to draw the essence of a powerful daemon from the [[Warp]] and trap it within the rune-bound hull of the machine. Powerful spells of appeasement and pacification are utilised to keep the newly bound daemon from causing havoc among the forces of [[Chaos]].{{Fn|2}} The Defiler can sustain hits that would immobilise a battle tank without any difficulty.{{Fn|10}}
In addition of being able to lay down a barrage of heavy fire, Defilers are also terrifying close combat opponents. When a Defiler arrives on the battlefield, the magics keeping the bound daemon peaceful are released, allowing the daemon to truly enjoy the battle. As daemons are immortal and unconcerned for the survival of its machine host, Defilers ignore hits that would kill normal tank crews and continue on rampages of destruction that would otherwise be impossible to proceed with. Of its six limbs, Defilers use four for moving around and two arm-like appendages to crush enemies in their pincers.
 
 
 
==Canon Conflict==
 
The true origins of the Defiler are unclear. When first introduced in the [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]], it is stated that the first Defilers were fashioned at the command of Abaddon the Despoiler.<sup>1</sup> In the [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)]] the Defiler's origins are stated as "shrouded in mystery".<sup>2</sup> This is not a conflict per se, as the original origin story could be from a universal stand-point, where as the "mystery" origin could be from the Imperium's point of view.
 
 
 
Another possible canon conflict emerged with the audio drama [[Oath of Moment]]. In the story, former [[Death Guard]] Captain [[Nathaniel Garro]] travels to [[Calth]] during the [[Word Bearers]]' assault on the [[Ultramarines]]. Garro helps defend an access tunnel from the Word Bearers, and at the climax of the assault a machine described almost exactly as a Defiler attacks. The following is a direct word-for-word recount from the audio drama:
 
 
 
"''...and from behind the ridge line emerged a great construct of steel and cables, armor and brass. It clattered across the stone on four jointed piston hissing legs; crab-walking as it crushed the unwary in its path. An angular turret thrust up from the center of the mass, overloaded with guns and fearsome blades protruding in a spine-like formation. It had a main cannon made from black iron with a yawning muzzle dripping with penitent chains. The machine moved like it was alive, its flanks arterial red and dressed in the ebon detailing of the Word Bearers.''" <sup>7</sup>
 
  
''"Garro spun the length of Libertas around his gauntlets and plunged the point of the power sword into the apex of the turret where a screaming deamonic mask glared out with eyes of burning black."'' <sup>8</sup>
+
Standing on six piston-driven limbs, the Defiler's hull supports a massive turret, which houses the main armaments of the infernal machine. The Defiler is capable of wielding a large array of weapons, with its primary being a chest-mounted [[Hades Battlecannon]] or [[Ectoplasma Destructor]]. Its torso can mount twin [[Excruciator Cannon]]s or [[Magma Cutter]]s, while its arms can be armed with Heavy [[Reaper Autocannon]]s, Hades [[Lascannon]]s, Heavy [[Baleflamer]]s, [[Havoc Launcher]]s, or an [[Electroscourge]].{{Fn|12}}
  
Although never called a "Defiler", the machine's description matches that of a Defiler pretty closely.
+
In addition to being able to lay down a barrage of heavy fire, Defilers are also terrifying [[close combat]] opponents. When a Defiler arrives on the battlefield, the technosorcery keeping the bound daemon peaceful is released, allowing the daemon to truly enjoy the battle. As daemons are immortal and unconcerned for the survival of its machine host, Defilers ignore hits that would kill normal tank crews and continue on rampages of destruction that would otherwise be impossible to proceed with. Of its six limbs, Defilers use four for moving around and two arm-like appendages to crush enemies in their pincers.{{Fn|2}}
  
 
==Defiler Variants==
 
==Defiler Variants==
 
===Slaughterfiend===
 
===Slaughterfiend===
Dedicated to [[Khorne]], a '''Slaughterfiend''' is a Defiler subjugated and ridden by a [[Khorne Berzerker]]. The first recorded instance of this reckless tactic came during the war for Eclipsion Prime, when the [[Champion of Chaos|Skull Champion]], Akraghar of the [[World Eaters]], jumped from the ruins of a hivespire onto the eponymous Defiler, known as Slaughterfiend, and managed to subdue the daemonic machine to his own will and hence ride it like a monstrous steed.
+
Dedicated to [[Khorne]], a '''Slaughterfiend''' is a Defiler subjugated and ridden by a [[Khorne Berzerker]]. The first recorded instance of this reckless tactic came during the war for [[Eclipsion Prime]], when the [[Champion of Chaos|Skull Champion]], [[Akraghar]] of the [[World Eaters]], jumped from the ruins of a [[hive]]spire onto the eponymous Defiler, known as Slaughterfiend, and managed to subdue the daemonic machine to his own will and hence ride it like a monstrous steed.{{Fn|6}}
  
Ever since, Berzerkers have attempted to emulate Akraghar’s actions and carve rune-etched links about the throat of the infernal vehicle, binding it to the will and rage of Khorne. Competition to ride such beasts is fierce and though many try, very few succeed. In battle, whole units of Berzerkers will attempt to clamber onto a nearby Slaughterfiend, if only to steal a ride into the fray.
+
Ever since, Berzerkers have attempted to emulate Akraghar’s actions and carve rune-etched links about the throat of the infernal vehicle, binding it to the will and rage of Khorne. Competition to ride such beasts is fierce and though many try, very few succeed. In battle, whole units of Berzerkers will attempt to clamber onto a nearby Slaughterfiend, if only to steal a ride into the fray.{{Fn|6}}
  
Typically Slaughterfiends renounce most ranged weapons and are armed with additional close assault weapons. They are often also faster than other Defiler variants, as they are worked up into an agitated state. Groups of Slaughterfiends are known as Bloodpacks.<sup>6</sup>
+
Typically, Slaughterfiends renounce most ranged weapons and are armed with additional close assault weapons. They are often faster than other Defiler variants, as they are worked up into an agitated state. Groups of Slaughterfiends are known as '''Bloodpacks'''.{{Fn|6}}
  
 
{{Fanatic}}
 
{{Fanatic}}
 +
 
===Desecrator===
 
===Desecrator===
Dedicated by the [[Death Guard]] to the rancid service of [[Nurgle]], a '''Desecrator''' is an unstoppable force commonly armed with a Vomit Cannon, [[Reaper Autocannon]]s and Battle Claws.<sup>3</sup>
+
Dedicated by the [[Death Guard]] to the rancid service of [[Nurgle]], a '''Desecrator''' is an unstoppable force commonly armed with a '''Vomit Cannon''', [[Reaper Autocannon]]s and '''Battle Claws'''.{{Fn|3}}
  
 
===Debaser===
 
===Debaser===
A '''Debaser''' is a Defiler perverted to the causes of [[Slaanesh]] by the [[Emperor's Children]]. It is armed with a devastating payload of Sonic Weaponry; including Ultrasonic Disruptors, a Death Wailer and [[Blastmaster]]s in addition to its Battle Claws.<sup>5</sup>
+
A '''Debaser''' is a Defiler perverted to the causes of [[Slaanesh]] by the [[Emperor's Children]]. It is armed with a devastating payload of Sonic Weaponry; including [[Sonic Weaponry|Ultrasonic Disruptor]]s, a [[Sonic Weaponry|Death Wailer]] and [[Blastmaster]]s in addition to its '''Battle Claws'''.{{Fn|5}}
  
 
===Deceiver===
 
===Deceiver===
When the [[Thousand Sons]] dedicate a Defiler to the nefarious wills of [[Tzeentch]], it is referred to as a '''Deceiver'''. Such vehicles have an array of confusing weapons such as Tzeentch Cannons, Ether Cannons and [[Heavy Flamer]]s, as well as Battle Claws and Warp Flames which are used in close assault. Typically, Deceivers are more accurate in a fire fight than other variants of the Defiler.<sup>4</sup>
+
When the [[Thousand Sons]] dedicate a Defiler to the nefarious wills of [[Tzeentch]], it is referred to as a '''Deceiver'''. Such vehicles have an array of confusing weapons such as '''Tzeentch Cannons''', [[Ether Cannon]]s and [[Heavy Flamer]]s, as well as '''Battle Claws''' and '''Warp Flames''' which are used in close assault. Typically, Deceivers are more accurate in a firefight than other variants of the Defiler.{{Fn|4}}
 +
 
 +
==Famous Defilers==
 +
*[[Doom Crab]] — Corrupted into a scuttling [[Warp]]-nightmare, by the [[Iron Warriors]] [[Warpsmith]] [[Vhostok Pistonhand|Pistonhand]]{{Fn|9}}
 +
*[[Engine of Mael x]] — [[Red Corsairs]]{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Engine of Plague]] — [[Death Guard]]
 +
*[[Ghostcrusher]] — [[Night Lords]]
 +
*[[Hellpincer]] — [[Alpha Legion]]{{Fn|8}}
 +
*[[Me'kallar the Insane]] — [[Black Legion]]/[[The Tormented]]
 +
*[[Rot Crusher]] — [[The Purge]]{{Fn|8}}
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
{|align="center"
+
<center><gallery mode="packed" heights="150">
|[[Image:Chaos Defiler.jpg|thumb|center|220px|A Chaos Defiler]]
+
Chaos Defiler.jpg|Defiler (3rd Edition)
|}
+
Doom Crab.jpg|[[Vhostok Pistonhand|Pistonhand]]'s Doom Crab{{Fn|9}}
 +
Defiler10th.jpg|Defiler (10th Edition){{Fn|11}}
 +
DefilerIW.jpg|10th Edition [[Iron Warriors]] Defiler{{Fn|12}}
 +
Defiler10Options.jpg|10th Edition Defiler head options for [[Khorne]], [[Tzeentch]], [[Nurgle]], and [[Slaanesh]].{{Fn|12}}
 +
</gallery></center>
 +
 
 +
==Conflicting sources==
 +
It is not clear when Abaddon ordered the creation of the Defilers; in [[Garro: Oath of Moment (Audio Book)]], [[Nathaniel Garro]] fights against a giant war machine that matches the description of a Defiler, though it is never named as such, during the [[Battle of Calth]].{{Fn|7}}
 +
 
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*<sup>1</sup>:[[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]], p.37
+
{{Citation issues}}
*<sup>2</sup>:[[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)]], p.41
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (3rd Edition, 2nd Codex)]], pg. 37
*<sup>3</sup>:Death Guard Experimental Army List v1.0 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)'' / [[Fanatic_Online_090-099#Issue:_90|Fanatic Online #90]]
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Codex: Chaos Space Marines (4th Edition)]], pg. 41
*<sup>4</sup>:Thousand Sons Army List v2.1 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)''
+
*{{Endn|3}}: Death Guard Experimental Army List v1.0 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)'' / [[Fanatic Online 090-099#Issue: 90|Fanatic Online #90]]
*<sup>5</sup>:Emperor's Children Experimental Army List v2.0 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)''
+
*{{Endn|4}}: Thousand Sons Army List v2.1 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)''
*<sup>6</sup>:[[Apocalypse Reload]]: ''Slaughterfiend Bloodpack'', p.58
+
*{{Endn|5}}: Emperor's Children Experimental Army List v2.0 ''(viewed 2007.11.26)''
*<sup>7</sup>:Oath of Moment, minutes 47:17-47:50
+
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Apocalypse Reload]]: ''Slaughterfiend Bloodpack'', pg. 58
*<sup>8</sup>:Oath of Moment, minutes 50:40-51:05
+
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Garro: Oath of Moment (Audio Book)]], Track 9: Dawn Approaches and Track 10: Slow Motion of a Moment
[[Category:Vehicles (Chaos)]]
+
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Index Chaotica: Defilers (Background Book)]]{{Cite Marker End}}
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Warhammer: Visions 16]], pg. 163 — ''Blanchitsu'' {{WHVisionsEnd}}
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[The 13th Black Crusade (Background Book)]], pg. 54
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260210115621/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/8oknimbb/revealed-the-new-defiler-stomps-onto-the-battlefield/ Warhammer Community: Revealed: The new Defiler stomps onto the battlefield] saved page, original link: https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/8oknimbb/revealed-the-new-defiler-stomps-onto-the-battlefield/ (last accessed 10/2/2026)
 +
*{{Endn|12}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260330114035/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/avczirqt/sunday-preview-into-the-eye-of-terror/ Warhammer Community: Sunday Preview – Into the Eye of Terror] saved page [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/avczirqt/sunday-preview-into-the-eye-of-terror/ original link] (last accessed 30/3/2026)
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20260331140053/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/krrfctul/perturabos-grand-plan-revealed/ Warhammer Community: Perturabo’s grand plan revealed] ''(archived from [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/krrfctul/perturabos-grand-plan-revealed/] 31 March 2026, last accessed 31 March 2026)''
 +
{{WHVisions}}
  
 +
{{ChaosForces}}
 +
{{DaemonEngines}}
 +
 +
[[Category:Defilers| ]]
 
[[Category:Daemon Engines]]
 
[[Category:Daemon Engines]]
[[Category:Walkers]]
+
 
[[Category:Vehicles]]
 
 
[[de:Geissel]]
 
[[de:Geissel]]

Latest revision as of 15:43, 31 March 2026

Defiler[13]

The Defiler is a Chaos Daemon Engine and is among the most common of their kind. They were created by the Dark Mechanicum on the Forge World of Xana II at the command of Abaddon the Despoiler in preparation for the First Black Crusade.[1][8]

Overview

Chaos Defiler
Defiler

Unlike the tanks and vehicles of the Imperium, which are mostly operated by humans, a Defiler is controlled by a daemon. Chaos Sorcerers use arcane Chaos magic to draw the essence of a powerful daemon from the Warp and trap it within the rune-bound hull of the machine. Powerful spells of appeasement and pacification are utilised to keep the newly bound daemon from causing havoc among the forces of Chaos.[2] The Defiler can sustain hits that would immobilise a battle tank without any difficulty.[10]

Standing on six piston-driven limbs, the Defiler's hull supports a massive turret, which houses the main armaments of the infernal machine. The Defiler is capable of wielding a large array of weapons, with its primary being a chest-mounted Hades Battlecannon or Ectoplasma Destructor. Its torso can mount twin Excruciator Cannons or Magma Cutters, while its arms can be armed with Heavy Reaper Autocannons, Hades Lascannons, Heavy Baleflamers, Havoc Launchers, or an Electroscourge.[12]

In addition to being able to lay down a barrage of heavy fire, Defilers are also terrifying close combat opponents. When a Defiler arrives on the battlefield, the technosorcery keeping the bound daemon peaceful is released, allowing the daemon to truly enjoy the battle. As daemons are immortal and unconcerned for the survival of its machine host, Defilers ignore hits that would kill normal tank crews and continue on rampages of destruction that would otherwise be impossible to proceed with. Of its six limbs, Defilers use four for moving around and two arm-like appendages to crush enemies in their pincers.[2]

Defiler Variants

Slaughterfiend

Dedicated to Khorne, a Slaughterfiend is a Defiler subjugated and ridden by a Khorne Berzerker. The first recorded instance of this reckless tactic came during the war for Eclipsion Prime, when the Skull Champion, Akraghar of the World Eaters, jumped from the ruins of a hivespire onto the eponymous Defiler, known as Slaughterfiend, and managed to subdue the daemonic machine to his own will and hence ride it like a monstrous steed.[6]

Ever since, Berzerkers have attempted to emulate Akraghar’s actions and carve rune-etched links about the throat of the infernal vehicle, binding it to the will and rage of Khorne. Competition to ride such beasts is fierce and though many try, very few succeed. In battle, whole units of Berzerkers will attempt to clamber onto a nearby Slaughterfiend, if only to steal a ride into the fray.[6]

Typically, Slaughterfiends renounce most ranged weapons and are armed with additional close assault weapons. They are often faster than other Defiler variants, as they are worked up into an agitated state. Groups of Slaughterfiends are known as Bloodpacks.[6]

Desecrator

Dedicated by the Death Guard to the rancid service of Nurgle, a Desecrator is an unstoppable force commonly armed with a Vomit Cannon, Reaper Autocannons and Battle Claws.[3]

Debaser

A Debaser is a Defiler perverted to the causes of Slaanesh by the Emperor's Children. It is armed with a devastating payload of Sonic Weaponry; including Ultrasonic Disruptors, a Death Wailer and Blastmasters in addition to its Battle Claws.[5]

Deceiver

When the Thousand Sons dedicate a Defiler to the nefarious wills of Tzeentch, it is referred to as a Deceiver. Such vehicles have an array of confusing weapons such as Tzeentch Cannons, Ether Cannons and Heavy Flamers, as well as Battle Claws and Warp Flames which are used in close assault. Typically, Deceivers are more accurate in a firefight than other variants of the Defiler.[4]

Famous Defilers

Images

Conflicting sources

It is not clear when Abaddon ordered the creation of the Defilers; in Garro: Oath of Moment (Audio Book), Nathaniel Garro fights against a giant war machine that matches the description of a Defiler, though it is never named as such, during the Battle of Calth.[7]

Sources



Daemon Engines
Chaos Undivided/Unaligned DecimatorDefilerForgefiendHeldrakeHelstalkerMaulerfiendSoul GrinderVenomcrawler
Khorne Blood ReaperBlood SlaughtererBlood ThroneBrass ScorpionCauldron of BloodDeath DealerDoom BlasterKytanLord of BattlesLord of SkullsTower of SkullsSkull Cannon
Nurgle Blight DroneContagionFoetid Bloat-DronePlagueburst CrawlerMyphitic Blight-HaulerPlague CenturionPlague HulkPlague Tower
Tzeentch Doom WingFire LordSilver Tower
Slaanesh Subjugator