Mechadendrite

A Mechadendrite is a catchall name that covers a variety of additional artificial limb bionic implants that are used almost universally by the Adeptus Mechanicus,^[3]^[5] as well as Techmarines of the Adeptus Astartes,^[3] and both of their Chaos or heretek aligned counterparts.^[7] This can range from servo-arms to tendril-like appendages, each designed for a specialised purpose.^[5]^[7]

Overview

Tech-Priest Hieronomus Tezla with mechadendrites

Mechadendrites assist in the manipulation of objects, micro-construction, maintenance, research and defence. A mechadendrite is connected to the central nervous system of the Techpriest, and so is controlled through thought just like a biological limb. They are powerful mechanical tools with the strength to lift entire Battle Tanks off the ground, or with the dexterity to deftly fix the smallest components or solder shut the most minute wounds in a vehicle’s flank.^[3]

Mechadendrites are constructed from metallic alloys and have small motors and actuators within their armoured structures. They are usually longer than the Techpriest's natural limbs and are with multiple joints (simulating mechanical tentacles) to allow maximum reach and flexibility.^[3] Tech-Adepts of Grade II and above are permitted to have mechadendrites.^[6b] Each limb is controlled by the mind and purpose-built. Being able to coordinate more than one mechadendrite with competence takes decades of discipline and training.^[5] Tech-Priests almost universally bear a number of mechadendrites, some so laden with additional appendages that they appear as a hive of writhing serpents.^[6b]

Members of the Adeptus Mechanicus from the Enginseer rank and above are known to have mechadendrites, and although they may often only have one fitted, one could have as many mechadendrites as the body will support.^[3]

Servitors can also have mechadendrites to assist the enginseer they are assigned to.^[3]

Mechadendrite Types

Ballistic Mechadendrite: Combat oriented mechadendrite mounted to the shoulder or back that has a ranged weapon attached; typically a small arms weapon like a pistol.^[4]^[7]

Exploration Mechadendrite: Functions as an auspex.^[5]

Manipulator Mechadendrite: An additional artificial limb is effectively a servo-arm.^[5]^[7] These are possibly one of the most common mechadendites seen. Often utilised by enginseers and techmarines, it aids in their battlefield repair duties. The powerful pincers allow them to both lift great weights and act as an additional brutal limb in combat.^[4]^[7]

Mechadendrite Stabiliser: Designed to aid an individual in maintaining stability in environments with fluctuating, limited, or absent gravity.^[6b]

Medicae/Torture Mechadendrite: Designed for medical and surgical assistance; tipped with various needles and blades.^[4]^[7] These can alternatively be used as effective torture devices.^[7]

Micro-mechadendrites: A small limbs that may have an assortment of different standard forms of data-tether, typically used to interact with a control unit or cogitator.^[6b]

Optical Mechadendrite: Equipped various pict-capture, lumen, or sensory devices. It is highly flexible and designed for inspection and sensory application.^[4]

Utility Mechadendrite: Equipped with a wide variety of tools needed for the work of a tech-priest. As an example, this combi-tool could include: injectors, sacred unguents, incense, small chainsaws or other cutting instruments.^[4]

Prehensile Dataspike: A dataspike attached to the end of a mechadendrite. Often used by Legio Cybernetica Tech-Priests to forcibly plug into a variety of machines and mechanical servants. Purposes for doing so includes gaining data, wrestling control, or direct harm.^[6b]