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{{Cite}}{{Ambiguous|subject=the tyranid alien Tyranid species|disambiguation=Genestealer}}

 A '''Genestealer''' is a species of [[Tyranid]] used as the ultimate shock trooper. Their purpose is to advance ahead of a [[Hive Fleet]] and pinpoint potential planets for the Tyranids to devour. They are amongst the most deadly creatures in the [[Galaxy]], combining high cunning, lightning-fast reactions and movement, with large, extremely sharp claws that can rip through the toughest armour in seconds.¹ {|border=0 cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" style="clear:right;width:32%;border:solid #393939 1px; float:rightleft; text-align:left; padding:0px; margin-left: 1em; font-size: 95%;"|style=background:#4F4F4F colspan=2 align=center|'''Ordo Xenos<br>Departmento Analyticus Record'''⁵

|align=left|Stealer, leechLeech, Sewerstalker, Scuttler, Clawfiend, Ghost ²

|align=left|''Corporaptor hominis'', ''Corporaptor ymgarli''⁵, ''Vermis (Tyrannus) Furii'' ⁴

|[[Ymgarl]]

The '''Genestealer''' is a ==Physiology==Genestealers are stronger and hardier than [[species of Tyranid|speciesHuman]] of [[Tyranid]]. They are considered s, able to be among withstand even the most deadly creatures in the galaxyhostile environments unprotected, combining high cunningincluding hard vacuum, lightning-fast reactions and movement, are capable of living for centuries ⁶. They are a highly intelligent species with a disproportionately large, extremely sharp claws and adaptive brain that can rip through the toughest armour is housed in secondsa bulbous head ¹. They combine extraordinary intelligence and subtlety of mind with remarkable strength and quickness of body.

Most insidious is their ability to implant their alien genetic material into other creaturesGenestealers are bipedal, standing in a perpetual crouch atop hooved feet, and have two sets of arms, turning them into virtual slaves which will then breed [[Genestealer Hybrid|hybridone equipped with Human-Genestealers]]like hands, giving rise to one with powerful ripping claws.{{Cite This}} The dense musculature and distending hinge of their jaw allows the [[Genestealer Cult]]s that grow in secret within human and other societiesgeneration of incredible bite-pressure.⁴

Their olfactory organ is linked at its base to the rear of their palette, combining their scent and taste for posible use as a sophisticated air-analysis method. They are also a major part of a [[Hive Fleet]]'s forces, often display respiratory gill systems along the first creatures committed dermis/valves between their fused exo-ribs. This system is then somehow linked to planetary invasionsbreathing holes on their limbs and cranium.⁴

However these characteristics may not be general across all Genestealers form , as they are one of the first wave of a most mutable Tyranid invasion, either infiltrating specimens and often exhibit a suitable world hundreds wide and varying range of years before the actual invasion, or in the much more short term, where they are deployed onto a planet by spores by the hive fleetdifferent traits. In both cases they pave It has been hypothesised that these traits manifest dependent on the way for particular host species the invasion by weakening the planet's defences.==Role==[[Image:GenestealerHorde.jpg|thumb|right|269px|A group of Genestealers of several generations. The Magus is giving orders, infection discovers; but notice also the much larger Patriarch behind him.]]Their purpose is to scout out ahead of the hive swarm, often this theory has been disregarded by infesting [[Space Hulk]]ssome experts, and pinpoint potential planets for citing that the Tyranids to invadetraits are more likely different Genestealer subspecies altogether, with the ultimate goal of assimilating new and useful genetic material for the benefit of the hive. During a Tyranid invasion, they which are often among separate from the first Tyranids to make planetfall, dropped in [[Mycetic Spores]]; biological drop-podshost.²

==First contact==First contact of the Genestealers by the [[Imperium]] took place upon one that have been born from Human hosts display twisted parodies of human hands and grotesque fingernails. Infact, the moons of [[Ymgarl]] before humanity had knowledge of deeper into the Tyranidsgalaxy a Genestealer infestation is found, and even after the discovery of more divergent they become from the hive fleets, a long time period had passed before it was realised that 'purestrain' Genestealers which arrive in the galaxy with the Hive Fleets and were actually members bron from hosts outside the galaxy. This diluting and morphing of the Tyranid Genestealer speciesgoes some way to explain the differing behaviour observed among different broods.¹

==Physiology=Reproduction===[[Image:Ovipositor.jpg|thumb|150px|right|A Genestealer Ovipositor]] Possibly the most terrifying aspect of Genestealers are some is their insidious method of reproduction. Genestealers reproduce completely seperate from a Hive Fleet, unlike the most mutable majority of other Tyranid specimenscreatures. Through the use of a tube-like tongue called an [[Ovipositor]], they insert a tiny embryonic organism containing their own genetic material into a host victim. Over time this organism alters the host's genetic code, and often exhibit their consciousness is also completely suppressed by a wide and varying range localised version of different traitsthe Hive Mind, known as the [[Brood Mind]], becoming a virtual slave. It has been hypothesised that these traits manifest dependent on Any offspring born by the particular host species will be horrific [[Genestealer Hybrid]]s, which the infection discovers; but this theory has been disregarded by some expertshost will be psychically mesmerised to care for, citing that giving rise to the traits are more likely different [[Genestealer subspecies altogetherCult]]s that grow in secret within human and other societies. ^3,¹ ===Brood Mind==={{main|Brood Mind}}Genestealers have an interlinking telepathy similar to the greater Hive Mind which are separate from is generated by the entire Tyranid race. This Brood Mind is smaller and more localised than the Hive Mind and is used to exhert complete control over their host altogethervictims ³ and also for communication {{Cite This}}. It also acts as a psychic beacon to draw a Hive Fleet towards the infestation in order to devour the planet.³

Genestealers combine extraordinary intelligence and subtlety of mind with remarkable strength and quickness of body. Their torsos and extremities are protected by a deep blue carapace. Their sinewy muscles are purple-red. They are bipedal, standing in a perpetual crouch atop hooved feet, and they have two sets of arms, one equipped with Human==Sub-like hands, one with powerful ripping claws. The Genestealers' hairless heads are bulbous in shape, coloured Species=====Broodlord===A [[Broodlord]] is the same deep purple-red as their musclesGenestealer leader organism, with the creatures' fang-filled mouths strongest and hypnotic eyes at most dangerous Genestealer of the frontbrood.¹

Genestealers are stronger and hardier than MenThe relationship, if any, able to withstand even between the most hostile environments - including hard vacuum - unprotected. They live for centuriesBroodlord and [[Genestealer Patriarch]] is undetermined.⁶

===Patriarch===A [[BroodlordGenestealer Patriarch]]s are is the Genestealer founder and leader organism. The Broodlord is always the first Genestealer to make planetfall when the Tyranids first infest of a world.² The relationship, if any, between the Broodlord and [[Genestealer Patriarch]] is undeterminedCult.

All ===Ymgarl Genestealers are psychic, using telepathy ===A [[Ymgarl Genestealer]] is a unique Genestealer subspecies that can morph its own flesh within moments to communicate with the brood and hypnotising victims before implanting their seedreact to incoming attacks or change its colour to remain unseen.^{101: p.61}

[[Image:GenestealerGenestealerHorde.jpg|thumb|left|269px|A Genestealergroup of Genestealers of several generations. The Magus is giving orders, but notice also the much larger Patriarch behind him.]] Genestealers form the first wave of a Tyranid invasion, either infiltrating a suitable world hundreds of years before the actual invasion, or in the more short term, where they are deployed onto a planet by [[Mycetic Spore]]s from the hive fleet. In both cases they pave the way for the invasion by weakening the planet's defences.{{Cite This}} Once upon a new world, the vanguard organisms Genestealers seek out all forms of life, attempting to home in on species of a highly organised nature, such as [[Mankind]]. Genestealers at first concentrate on infecting creatureshost victims, who go on to breed Genestealer/host hybrids and begin a generational cycle of new hybrids increasingly like the host species. Over decades, establishing themselves as the hybrids will spread through a society and a [[hidden cult is established within the host's society. All members of the Genestealer cult are psychically linked and controlled by the original Genestealer Cult|clan or . The cult]] is totally devoted to gaining political power within the infected creatures' society, often cloaking itself in the guise of a legitimate religion, while infecting suitable hosts, prospering and multiplying, and hiding their true nature from the broader society.{{Cite This}} ===Infiltration Cycle=======Purii====A full Genestealer starts the infection cycle by inserting their genetic material into a host victim. As the infestation spreads and the cult grows, the first Genestealer takes the role of a Genestealer Patriarch and often grows larger into an obese and psychic monstrosity.⁴

====Infection Generation- Contagii====The clan host victims, or ''Contagii'', return to their own societies and begin to have an urgent need to find a mate and begin a family. This mate also becomes infected with Genestealer DNA.{{Cite This}} Contagii still physically resemble other members of Genestealerstheir species, hybrids and human relatives are psychically bound together through the original Genestealer (the [[Genestealer Patriarch|Patriarch]]), forming a tightly-knit community. The brood, driven controlled by the Patriarch, is totally devoted Patriach to gaining political power within the society, infecting suitable hosts, prospering and multiplyingbecome mindless slaves, while hiding their true nature from making them the broader societyperfect infiltrators.³

The Genestealers will attempt to impregnate anyone under ====1st Generation - Maelignaci====As the contagii mate, the Genestealer genetic material passes onto their power with their alien DNAoffspring, the ''Maelignaci''. The infected hosts spawn uglyMaelignaci are animals, part-Genestealer offspring known as [[Genestealer Hybrid|Hybrids]]slow, clumsy and moronic. The offspring exhibits psychic control over its parents who see Within the child not cult they generally regarded as a hideous monstrosity but as a perfect child to be nurturedexpendable shock troops.⁴ They often possess three or even four arms, protected and lovedare unable to use their host species technology or weaponry.{{Cite This}}

Both the infected and the kin ====2nd Generation - Hybrid====The Hybrid offspring of the infected Maelignaci are fanatically loyal to the aliensborn unique with no two alike. They form a closely bound clan or cultHowever this generation can be selectively breed, cloaking themselves in the guise of a legitimate religion. While using their numbers are few parents like live-stock, and their political power is weakoften manipulated for traits such speed, they busily work on further infiltrating the society, gaining converts and hostsstrength or aggression. ⁴ They do not reveal bear more resemblance to their true nature before they have thoroughly infiltrated the planethost species than a Genestealer, but are still unable to use their host's society. When they are strong enough, they have nothing to fear, and the unsuspecting normal citizens have everything to fear, and the mask is torn off: the Genestealer infestation reveals itself, taking over the last remnants of the societytechnology.{{Cite This}}

====3rd Generation - True Hybrid====The hybrid children create next generation are True Hybrids and can be mistaken for a stronger psychic pulse as the infested communities flourishmember of their host species, if they wear disguising clothes, or stay in dark areas, attracting the notice etc. Some of this generation are capable of using weapons of the [[Hive Mind]]their host species. {{Cite This}} ====4th Generation - Primacii====The stronger fourth generation, the psychic signal''Primacii'', are almost indistinguishable from their host species, only with slight physical deformities. Some still sport give-away signs such as being bald {{Cite This}}. They are able to blend in to the faster the Hive Mind reacts host society and mobilizes a Hive Fleet work to lure, kidnap, or do whatever it takes to attack the planetprovide more hosts. Mycetic Spores containing other Tyranid creatures now rain down onto ³ Some rare individuals of this generation have psychic powers and become a largely unsuspecting world, microscopic spore clouds clog the atmosphere and the Hive Mind blanks out the [[warpGenestealer Magus]] and drowns any attempted psychic distress beacons. At this point {{Cite This}} ====5th Generation - Purii====Paradoxically, the Genestealers join Genestealer's DNA reemerges in the ranks fifth generation, giving birth to a full Genestealer, albeit one showing some physical characteristics of the other Tyranid organismshost species.¹ Thus the cycle can begin anew, or as the new Genestealers have the potential to infiltrate enemy population centres to take out enemy leaders other worlds and cause panic among the general populacebecome a Patriarch.

*'''Purii''' - Purii are the most recognisable kind ===Hive Fleet Invasion===The Brood Mind of Genestealers and one of them starts the infection cyclea Genestealer infestation acts as a psychic beacon to draw in a Tyranid Hive Fleet. They can infect members When a Hive Fleet comes within a few hundred light years of other species through an ovipositor for genetic material located infected world, a sublimiminal reaction is triggered within their tongue. As the infection and infiltration spreads, Brood Mind which forces the first genestealer takes the role Genestealers into a frenzy of [[Genestealer Patriarch|Patriarch]] killing and often grows larger than a typical Purii specimen.*'''Contagii''' - ''Infection Generation'' - Are the "hosts", members of another speciesbreeding, that have been infected by thus collapsing the "Kiss of society in which they were hidden and making way for the Purii"full Tyranid invasion. This causes them to forget ³ However Genestealers are notoriously independent from the circumstances Hive Mind and the infection itself. As they return to their own societies they begin to have an urgent need to find a mate and great will to begin a familysurvive. The mate also becomes During a ''Contagii''. The Contagii planetary invasion Genestealers wanting to survive are physically indistinguishable innately driven onwards and outwards from other members of the species, making them the perfect infiltratorsHive Fleet by infiltrating fleeing ships. The infection makes them fanatically loyal to their offspring, and to their PatriarchOr, which typically will re-enter their life all too soon. *'''Maelignaci''' - ''1st Generation'' - As after the contagii mateinvasion, the genetic material they were infected with passes onto their offspring. The maelignaci are very alike pure Genestealers, possessing many times 3 or even 4 arms. However they are unable to use their host species technology or weaponry. Within reabsorbed into the cult they generally regarded Hive Fleet as expendable shock troops. They are very clumsy and slowpure bio-matter like all other life is.*'''Hybrid''' - ''2nd Generation'' - The offspring of the maelignaci bear infiltrating Genestealers go on to infest more resemblance to their host species. However no one would be fooled, worlds and they are also unable then in turn lead the Hive Fleet to use technology.*'''True Hybrid''' - ''3rd Generation'' - The members of this generation could be mistaken for a member of their host species if they wear disguising clothes, or appear in shaded areas, etc. Some of them are capable of using weapons of their host species.*'''Primacii''' - ''4th Generation'' - The Primacii are indistinguishable from members of their host species. Still many sport tell-tale traits: many are bald, or something else. Their loyalty always lies with No one amongst the Genestealer cult. Some rare individuals of this generation have psychic powers Imperium knows how deep and take an important role within widespread the cult as a [[Genestealer Magus]]. *'''Purii''' - ''5th Generation'' - Paradoxically, infestation of the Genestealers DNA reemerges and the cycle can begin anew, as new Genestealers have the potential to galaxy has become new Patriarchs in other worlds.¹

image:Gene_PurestrainGenestealer b.jpg|1989Genestealer miniature ([[Warhammer 40, Space Hulk000 5th Edition Rulebook|5th Edition]])image:Genestealer Inquisitor scale.jpg|Genestealer miniature ([[Inquisitor (game)|Inquisitor scale]])image:Gene_Purestrain.jpg|Genestealer miniature ([[Space Hulk (1st Edition)|Space Hulk 1st Edition]])image:Genestealer bmini - space hulk 3rd ed.jpg|Genestealer miniature ([[Space Hulk (3rd Edition)|Space Hulk 3rd Edition]])

*¹ : [[Codex: Tyranids (3rd 5th Edition)]], p.40*² : [[Codex: Tyranids (4th Edition)]], p.39*³ : [[XenologySpace Hulk Mission Book (3rd Edition)]] by Simon Spurrier, p.46-47*⁴ Deathwatch Graphic Novel: [[Xenology]]*⁵ : [[Imperial Armour Volume Four - The Anphelion Project]]*⁶ : [[WD114|White Dwarf 114]], [[WD115|White Dwarf 115]], ''Genestealers'' by Paul Murphy, *[[Codex: Tyranids (reprinted in 3rd Edition)]]*[[Warhammer 40,000 CompilationDeathwatch (Graphic Novel)]]) *⁷ [[Space Hulk (Game)]]*⁸ [[Bringers of Death (Anthology)|Bringers of Death]]*⁹ [[For The Emperor (Novel)]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]]*¹⁰ ''[[Genestealer (Game)|Genestealer]]'' (1990, ''Space Hulk'' expansion)

[[Category:Troops (Tyranids)]][[Category:Genestealer Cults]]