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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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Corrected typo in first paragraph of the Overview section "GIgenestealer" to "Genestealer"
==Overview==
Genestealer cults form if a Glgenestealer Genestealer infects members of another species with its genetic code. The resultant changes in the genome of the host cause a fanatical loyalty to the genestealers, as well as a drastic change to their reproductive system; their firstborn children will be [[Genestealer Hybrid|hybrids]], a grotesque mixture of the host's race and genestealers. These hybrids infect further victims, and the infection spreads exponentially. Fourth generation hybrids produce purestrain genestealers, and the cycle starts once again. This brood of purestrains, hybrids, and neophytes is held together by strong [[psychic]] and genetic bonds, and assembles around the original genestealer, which becomes the [[Genestealer Patriarch|patriarch]]. Because this community is often hidden behind the facade of a religion or political movement, it is called a genestealer cult by the [[Imperium]]{{Fn|4}}.
As the cult's numbers grow, more specialized types of [[Genestealer Hybrid|hybrid]]s are created to serve the patriarch, which is now worshiped as a god. These include [[Genestealer Magus|magi]], [[Genestealer Primus|primuses]], [[Genestealer Locus|loci]], etc.. The cult will often grow and plot below the surface of their host world, using this base of operations to gradually infiltrate into the above society. Later generations are less monstrous than their forbears and can freely walk among Imperial society without much notice. Often a genestealer cult will recruit from the downtrodden underbelly of society, characterizing themselves as liberators from the brutal yoke of Imperial rule. A fully mature cult can be huge, numbering in the billions and covering several worlds.{{Fn|18a}}
