Heretek

Heretek^[3]

A Heretek is a member of the Adeptus Mechanicus who has strayed from its strictures and dictates, and betrayed the Cult Mechanicus by, for instance, weakening the Adeptus' stranglehold on the knowledge of the Imperium's technology, or embracing individual experimentation and innovation.^[1b]

Background

Becoming a Heretek

Heretek^[17b]

Some Hereteks simply strive for power and knowledge. Such ambitious individuals may then realize the wealth of information that may be gleaned by straying from the teachings of the Archmagos Doctrinal.^[1b]

Most commonly though, the path that leads to life as a Heretek begins away from the Machine God's domains, like in service to the Inquisition or an Explorator cadre. Most Tech-Priests who are thusly led to a certain amount of self-reliance and forced adaptation will find that it strengthens their dedication to the Omnissian faith, however, a few Tech-Priests will instead start to question, to seek their own answers and rely on innovation to overcome adversity.^[1b]

Becoming a Heretek Savant is a matter of choice and opportunity rather than induction into a secret cult or service to a master, and all that is needed is for the Tech-Priest to turn his back on the sacred doctrines of the Omnissiah and have the will to do so. From this point on, they risk censure and destruction by the Cult Mechanicus if their heresies are discovered, and while there is nothing to stop them furthering their rank and position in the Adeptus Mechanicus, they are forever more false of heart and must remain eternally vigilant.^[1c]

Life as a Heretek

Heretek^[5c]

No matter the reason for becoming a Heretek, it is a most dangerous way of life; for should a Heretek be found out by a member of the Cult Mechanicus, they face harsh punishment, often meaning either immediate destruction or having their implants ripped out to have whatever remains of their flesh converted into a servitor as penance.^[1b] Other times, those sentenced to having all their augmetics removed, might survive due to external intervention and repair, rather than the drawn out death that is expected when released after said sentence.^[18]

For this reason, Hereteks can, and logically speaking should, become increasingly paranoid and withdrawn. They will distance themselves from those who would discover their heresies, and will focus on self-preservation. Implanting ever more offensive and defensive systems to protect themselves and their pursuit of forbidden knowledge is common behavior for a Heretek.^[1b]

Note that a being a Heretek does not necessarily involve Chaos. Although Hereteks can certainly gain much knowledge about the Warp and be corrupted just like anyone else dealing with the secrets of the xenos, the Immaterium, and mankind's ancient past, they may just as well still be very much opposed to the Ruinous Powers. Their heretical approach to technology still makes them an abomination in the eyes of the Cult. This difference further distinguishes them from the Dark Mechanicum and those fallen members of the priesthood serving the Forces of Chaos,^[1b] which is primarily made up of Chaos hereteks.