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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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Of all the daemonic machines which the Imperium of man must face, '''Defilers''' are probably most likely the most common [[Daemon Engine]]s in the service of the [[Chaos Space Marine]]s. They were created at the command of [[Abaddon the Despoiler]].<sup>1</sup>
===Daemonic presence===
While having a distinct appearance, defiler has Defilers have another much more sinister sideaspect. Unlike the tanks and other vehicles operated by of the Imperium, defilers which are not operated by human crewshumans, Defilers are controlled by a [[daemon]]. [[Chaos Sorcerer]]s use arcane Chaos magics to draw the essence of a powerful [[daemon]] from the warp Warp and trap it within the rune-bound hull of the machine. Powerful spells of appeasement and pacification are used utilized to keep the newly bound spirit from causing havoc among the forces of Chaos.<sup>2</sup>
==Overview==
Standing on six large, piston-driven limbs, the defiler's hull supports a massive turret, which houses the main armaments of the infernal machine. While the defiler is Defilers are usually seen with large array arrays of weapons , such as [[Reaper Autocannon]]s and the [[Havoc Launcher]]s, its main firepower comes in the form of a [[battle cannon]]. There are often variations on of the weapon systems used; in some cases, Reaper Autocannons have been upgraded to house twin-linked [[heavy bolter]]s or [[lascannon]]s instead, and defilers whereas there have been sightings of Defilers with [[heavy flamer]]s have also been reported on multiple occasions.
===Close combat===
In addition of being able to lay down a barrage of heavy fire, defilers Defilers are also terrifying close combat opponents. When a defiler Defiler arrives on the battlefield, the magics keeping the bound daemon peaceful are released , allowing the daemon to truly enjoy the battle. As daemons are immortal and unconcerned for the survival of its machine host, defilers Defilers ignore hits that would kill the crew in normal situations tank crews and the daemonic host drives the defiler forwards continue on rampages of destruction that would otherwise be impossible to proceed with destruction and mayhem in mind. Of the its six limbs the defiler uses , Defilers use four for moving around, the and two in the front are much larger and have end in crabarm-like claws which are used appendages to crush enemiesin their pincers.
Dedicated to the dark god [[Khorne]], a '''Slaughterfiend''' is a Defiler subjugated and ridden by a [[Khorne Berzerker]]. The first recorded instance of this reckless tactic came during the war for Eclipsion Prime, when the Berzerker Champion, Akraghar of the [[World Eaters]], jumped from the ruins of a hivespire onto the eponymous Defiler, known as Slaughterfiend, and managed to subdue the daemonic machine to his own will and hence ride it like a monstrous steed.
Ever since, Berzerkers have attempted to emulate Akraghar’s actions and carve rune-etched links about the throat of the infernal vehicle, binding it to the will and rage of Khorne. Competition to ride such beasts is fierce and, though many try, very few succeed. In battle, whole units of Berzerkers will attempt to clamber onto a nearby Slaughterfiend, if only to steal a ride into the fray.
Typically Slaughterfiends renounce most ranged weapons and are armed with additional close assault weapons. They are often also faster than other defiler variants, as they are worked up into an agitated state. Groups of Slaughterfiends are known as Bloodpacks.<sup>6</sup>
