Penitent Engine
Penitent Engines are horrific machines utilized by armies of the Ecclesiarchy. They are frequently deployed alongside the armies of the Adepta Sororitas, who consider it their sacred duty to witness these machines in combat.[4]
Overview
When a penitent's crimes are so heinous that not even arco-flagellation is punishment enough, the repentant may be interred in one of the ancient and holy shriving machines known as Penitent Engines.[8] A multitude of wires, chemical injectors, and pain-nodes are implanted into the heretic's spine and body, which are then attached to the mechanical suit, as the pilot is suspended amidst the gears and electro-shackles, with their arms clamped wide and locked into the mechanisms of the Engine’s giant weapon-limbs.[7b] A key component of the Penitent Engine is the Excruciatum Locus, a parasitic pain regulation device, originally of Nostraman design, lodged directly into the pilot's thalamus. This device delivers artificial pain signals at least two orders of magnitude higher than can be achieved through physical infliction, magnifying the pilot's frenzied behaviour in combat without causing physiological harm.[6] When outside of combat, chemical implants inject feelings of guilt and pain directly into their brains, reminding them of their sins. Driven by the heretic's frenzied need for forgiveness, the armoured machine charges forward into the enemy ranks, knowing that only in death can forgiveness be granted.[8]
Those who pilot Penitent Engines are often individuals who were once seen as pious by the Ecclesiarchy, such as Priests or Battle Sisters. As a result, the Sisters of Battle consider it a sacred duty to witness these fearsome machines in combat, observing the actions of their fallen brethren as they atone for their sins.[1]
Armament
The Penitent Engine is armed with a variety of immense melee and ranged weapons. Armaments can include twin Heavy Flamers, large Chainfists, and circular saws mounted on each fist.[7b] Some configurations feature a flamer slung over a Chainblade.[7a] The Engines hurl out vicious streamers of flame, which can explode in promethium-laced clouds among the enemy.[7a]
Variants
Penitent Engines piloted by Sisters Repentia modified to wield heavier firepower are known as Mortifiers.[3]
Known Penitents
Images
Penitent Engine Miniature
Penitent Engine Miniature (8th Edition)[2]
Penitent Engine
Sources
- 1: White Dwarf 380, pg. 97
- 2: Warhammer Community: Breaking News: Sisters, Psykers and Skeletons (Posted 29/8/2019) (Last Accessed 29 August 2019)
- 3: Warhammer Community: Sisters of Battle: Situation Report (Posted on 18/11/2019) (Last accessed on 18 November 2019)]
- 4: Codex: Adepta Sororitas (8th Edition) pg.59
- 5: Warhammer Combat Cards, card description
- 6: The Remnant Blade (Novel) by Mike Vincent, Chapters 14 & 18
- 7: Stormcaller (Novel) by Chris Wraight
- 8: Codex: Witch Hunters, pg. 27
- 9: The Martyr's Tomb (Novel) by Marc Collins, Chapter Twenty-Seven
Uncited
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