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{{OrdoHereticusPortal}}
[[Image:ArcoFlagellantArt8th.jpg|thumb|right|250px|Arco-Flagellants{{Fn|3}}]]
An '''Arco-flagellant''' is a [[heretic]] deemed worthy of redemption by the [[Ecclesiarchy]], sentenced to arco-flagellation, and turned into living weapons.{{Fn|10}}
==Arco-flagellation==
[[Image:Arco-Flagellants.jpg|thumb|right|220px|'''Arco-flagellants''' in action.]]
'''Arco-flagellation''' is a method of penitence administered by the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] but appointed by the Ecclesiarchy.{{Fn|10}} It is used to punish any heresy not terrible enough to warrant immediate execution. The point of such extravagant punishments is to physically expunge the sin from a heretic's soul so that they may strengthen the Emperor when they die.{{cite thisFn|2}}
In arco-flagellation, the heretic undergoes extensive physical surgery and mental reconditioning,{{Fn|10}} turning them into frenzied berserkers. The guilty person can be implanted with a variety of weapons, such as cutting claws, pneu-mattocks and electro-flails. The Arco-flagellant is fitted with a sealed pacifier helm containing implants that connect into the cerebrum and spinal cord, which keeps them in a calm, barely conscious state.When in this mode the Arco-flagellant's mind is filled with sacred images and verses, such as symbols of the Ecclesiarchy, pictures of Saints and looped hymnals and prayers, which enter directly into the heretic's subconscious. The helm can be deactivated by means of a trigger word, releasing inhibitors and unleashing the full fury of the Arco-flagellant. Another trigger word activates the pacifier helm again, rendering the Arco-flagellant passive once more.{{Fn|112}}
Arco-flagellants are almost unstoppable once activated as their bodies become stimmed with [[combat drugs]] and pain killers, making them heedless of most injuries they sustain. Arco-flagellants are normally used by the Ecclesiarchy's fighting forces in suicide attack units. However, an Inquisitor can request (or demand if they are confident enough) that a Cardinal turn over an Arco-flagellant or two to their authority. An Arco-flagellant is not a subtle weapon, and they are much appreciated by the more bloody-minded Inquisitors, who are not afraid of some collateral damage and a few innocent casualties.{{cite thisFn|2}}
They can be unleashed in packs, while fighting beside armies of the faithful, though, the Sister of Battle typically use them more sparingly. An exception is the [[Order of the Valorous Heart]], however, who have drawn great inspiration from the redemptive suffering of their Arco-flagellant kill-throngs. While most Arco-flagellants live short and violent existences, some manage to survive multiple battles. Known as an '''Endurant''', such a warrior is judged to have earned a measure of redemption from the [[God-Emperor]], and fights with even greater ferocity than their kin. As a result, they are the first of their Arco-flagellant pack to spill blood, and often the last member left standing at the end of a battle.{{Fn|7}}
==Notable Characters==
*[[Damien 1427]]{{Fn|2}}
*[[Simeon 38X]]{{Fn|26}}
*[[Penitent 707]]{{Fn|4}}
*[[Rasselas X-42]]{{Fn|9}}
ArcoFlagellantInquisitor.jpg|[[Damien 1427]], Arco-Flagellant from [[Inquisitor (game)]]{{Fn|3}}
99800107008 ArcoFlagellantsNEW 01.jpg|Arco-flagellants (2004){{Fn|1}}
ArcoFlagellantsSquad8th.jpg|Arco-Flagellants (2020){{Fn|35}}
</gallery></center>
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Grey-Knights-Arco-flagellants Games-Workshop Arco-Flagellants] ''(last accessed 18 March 2015)''
*{{Endn|2}}: [[The Inquisition (Background Book)Inquisitor Rulebook]],{{Cite this}}pgs. 138-139, ''Arco-flagellants''
*{{Endn|3}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/10/07/battle-sister-bulletin-part-18-arco-flagellants/ Warhammer Community Battle Sister Bulletin – Part 18: Arco-flagellants: Posted 7 October 2019] (Last accessed 10/8/2019)
*{{Endn|4}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/12/03/blackstone-fortress-building-your-retinuegw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Blackstone Fortress - Building your Retinue (Posted on 3/12/2019)] (Last accessed on 3 December 2019)
*{{Endn|5}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/01/04/reveals-from-the-new-year-open-day-2020gw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Reveals from the New Year Open Day 2020 (posted January 4 2020)] (last accessed 1/4/2020)
*{{Endn|6}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/01/04/reveals-from-the-new-year-open-day-2020gw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Reveals from the New Year Open Day 2020 [The Inquisition (posted January 4 2020Background Book)] (last accessed 1/4/2020)], pg. 78
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Adepta Sororitas (8th Edition)]], pg. 58 - Arco-flagellants
*8: [[Ahriman: Exile(Novel)]]
**{{Endn|8a}}: Chapter XIII - Clockwork
**{{Endn|8b}}: Chapter XIV - Taken
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Lords of Mars (Novel)]], Dramatis Personae
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Codex: Witch Hunters]], pg. 28, ''Arco-flagellants''
==Uncited==