Hermiatus

Hermiatus, as the Hermaphage Magos^[4]

Hermiatus was a renegade Tech Priest Biologis whose experimentation with Genestealers^[1a] led to the downfall of Hive Secundus on Necromunda in 879.M41.^[2a]

History

Tech Priest

Hermiatus, a brilliant Magos Biologis of the Adeptus Mechanicus, was commissioned by the Ordo Xenos^[2a] of the Inquisition to develop an antigen to counter the genestealer plague.^[1a]

He selected Necromunda for his research due to its unique genetic records and history of surviving xenos infections. Using data from the Mercator Pallidus and the Chrono Guild, Hermiatus aimed to isolate the genestealer strain and create a solution to inoculate humanity against the plague.^[2a]

He set up a secret laboratory in Necromunda’s hive depths, experimenting on infected subjects and captive genestealers. His work was concealed even from Lord Helmawr, with the Chrono Guild sworn to secrecy under the Inquisition's authority. Despite significant resources, Hermiatus initially failed to achieve his goal, and his frustration led to a critical mistake^[2a] as he was accidentally infected by a genestealer sample.^[1a]

The infection began to corrupt his mind and body, and though he attempted to administer his untested antigen, it failed. Realizing the transformation was inevitable, Hermiatus destroyed his laboratory, notes, and experiments before fleeing Necromunda.^[1a] Hermiatus was responsible for mutating and releasing the progenitor of the Cult of the Second Son known as the Malstrain Patriarch.^[3a]

The Inquisition, alarmed by his escape and the threat he now posed as a heretic, launched an extensive search led by High Inquisitor Anneth Vestrix^[2b]. Hermiatus carried not only critical knowledge of the antigen but also secrets of the Adeptus Mechanicus. After weeks of pursuit, they traced him to the Beta Magellan sector, where he was eventually brought to justice by the Inquisition and their allies^[1a] at Gorinum Station^[1b], while the now infested Hive Secundus was toppled and a ring of defenses made around its ruins.^[2b]

Hermiatus, the Second Son

Hermiatus Reborn^[5]

Hermiatus, despite being purged by the Inquisition, has left a lingering legacy through his corrupted DNA, which endures within the genestealers of Necromunda. Over time, a mutated psychic entity known as "Hermiatus the Second Son", "Hermiatus Reborn"^[3b], or the Hermaphage Magos^[4] has emerged from the racial memory of the Malstrain Patriarch. This being, a warped facsimile of the original Magos, continues his heretical work as a twisted version of a genestealer magus.^[3b]

Operating with significant autonomy, Hermiatus conducts vile biological experiments to advance the malstrain's development and oversees the spread of its corruption across Necromunda. He commands infected followers and leads corrupted gangs, sometimes venturing beyond the Dust Wall to extend the influence of the patriarch. Some speculate his resurrection serves to cure or perfect the malstrain, though his ultimate purpose remains steeped in xenos heresy.^[3b]

The creature holds a revered status within the xenos cults of Necromunda and possesses formidable psychic abilities. When the Hermaphage Magos discovers a proto-cult deep within a hive, the hybrid creatures instinctively recognize their genetic progenitor and submit to its will. In essence, the creature serves as a conduit for the psychic influence of the alien lord of Hive Secundus, allowing this dark entity to see beyond the confines of its radioactive prison.^[4]

As a result, it has become a coveted target for countless bounty hunters and the finest agents of Lord Helmawr. The Imperial House is justifiably fearful of the potential consequences this creature's presence could have on the future of Necromunda.^[4]