An Arco-flagellant is a heretic deemed worthy of redemption by the Ecclesiarchy, sentenced to arco-flagellation, and turned into living weapons.[10]
Arco-flagellation
Arco-flagellation is a method of penitence administered by the Adeptus Mechanicus but appointed by the Ecclesiarchy.[10] It is used to punish any heresy not terrible enough to warrant immediate execution. The point of such extravagant punishments is to physically expunge the sin from a heretic's soul so that they may strengthen the Emperor when they die.[2]
In arco-flagellation, the heretic undergoes extensive physical surgery and mental reconditioning,[10] turning them into frenzied berserkers. The guilty person can be implanted with a variety of weapons, such as cutting claws, pneu-mattocks and electro-flails. The Arco-flagellant is fitted with a sealed pacifier helm containing implants that connect into the cerebrum and spinal cord, which keeps them in a calm, barely conscious state.When in this mode the Arco-flagellant's mind is filled with sacred images and verses, such as symbols of the Ecclesiarchy, pictures of Saints and looped hymnals and prayers, which enter directly into the heretic's subconscious. The helm can be deactivated by means of a trigger word, releasing inhibitors and unleashing the full fury of the Arco-flagellant. Another trigger word activates the pacifier helm again, rendering the Arco-flagellant passive once more.[2]
Arco-flagellants are almost unstoppable once activated as their bodies become stimmed with combat drugs and pain killers, making them heedless of most injuries they sustain. Arco-flagellants are normally used by the Ecclesiarchy's fighting forces in suicide attack units. However, an Inquisitor can request (or demand if they are confident enough) that a Cardinal turn over an Arco-flagellant or two to their authority. An Arco-flagellant is not a subtle weapon, and they are much appreciated by the more bloody-minded Inquisitors, who are not afraid of some collateral damage and a few innocent casualties.[2]
They can be unleashed in packs, while fighting beside armies of the faithful, though, the Sister of Battle typically use them more sparingly. An exception is the Order of the Valorous Heart, however, who have drawn great inspiration from the redemptive suffering of their Arco-flagellant kill-throngs. While most Arco-flagellants live short and violent existences, some manage to survive multiple battles. Known as an Endurant, such a warrior is judged to have earned a measure of redemption from the God-Emperor, and fights with even greater ferocity than their kin. As a result, they are the first of their Arco-flagellant pack to spill blood, and often the last member left standing at the end of a battle.[7]
Seraphs
A higher order of Arco-flagellant used by the Inquisition, these living weapons are created from those rare individuals possessing the Pariah Gene to combat the warp. Seraphim serve as bodyguards and weapons for their masters and are clad in red robes woven with sacred names, infused with warding circuits crawling with symbols and words of dead tongues and equipped with both pacifier helms and null limiters to keep them docile and contain their dampening aura. Even sorcerers as old and powerful as Ahzek Ahriman were forced to flee their presence,lest they be rendered utterly helpless.[8a][8b]
Notable Characters
Images
Arco-flagellants in action.
Arco-Flagellant[12]
Models
Damien 1427, Arco-Flagellant from Inquisitor (game)[3]
Arco-flagellants (2004)[1]
Arco-Flagellants (2020)[5]
See also
Sources
- 1: Games-Workshop Arco-Flagellants (last accessed 18 March 2015)
- 2: Inquisitor Rulebook, pgs. 138-139, Arco-flagellants
- 3: Warhammer Community Battle Sister Bulletin – Part 18: Arco-flagellants: Posted 7 October 2019 (Last accessed 10/8/2019)
- 4: Warhammer Community: Blackstone Fortress - Building your Retinue (Posted on 3/12/2019) (Last accessed on 3 December 2019)
- 5: Warhammer Community: Reveals from the New Year Open Day 2020 (posted January 4 2020) (last accessed 1/4/2020)
- 6: The Inquisition (Background Book), pg. 78
- 7: Codex: Adepta Sororitas (8th Edition), pg. 58 - Arco-flagellants
- 8: Ahriman: Exile (Novel)
- 9: Lords of Mars (Novel), Dramatis Personae
- 10: Codex: Witch Hunters, pg. 28, Arco-flagellants
- 11: The Father of Faith (Short Story) - Horusian Wars: Divination (Anthology)
- 12: Magic: The Gathering's Universes Beyond Warhammer 40,000 - Arco-Flagellant Token
| Grey Knights Forces | |
|---|---|
| Command | Supreme Grand Master • Grand Master • Brother-Captain • Brotherhood Champion • Librarian • Techmarine • Chaplain • Apothecary • Ancient |
| Elites | Paladin Squad • Purifier Squad • Justicars • Dreadnought • Venerable Dreadnought |
| Troops | Terminator Squad • Strike Squad • Interceptor Squad • Purgation Squad |
| Vehicles | Rhino • Razorback • Land Raider • Land Raider Crusader • Land Raider Redeemer • Nemesis Dreadknight |
| Aircraft | Stormraven • Stormtalon • Stormhawk • Thunderhawk |
| Characters | Kaldor Draigo • Castellan Crowe • Aldrik Voldus • Arvann Stern |