The Genestealer: A Lethal and Insidious Foe
The Genestealer is a species of Tyranid that serves as the ultimate shock trooper. Its purpose is to infiltrate potential planets for the Tyranids to devour, making it one of the deadliest creatures in the galaxy. Combining high cunning, lightning-fast reactions, and movement with large, extremely sharp claws, the Genestealer can rip through even the toughest armor in seconds.
Physical Characteristics and Abilities
Genestealers are bipedal, standing in a perpetual crouch, with two sets of arms, one equipped with human-like hands and the other with powerful ripping claws. Their dense musculature and distending hinge of their jaw allow them to generate incredible bite-pressure. They also display respiratory gill systems along their dermis/valves between their fused exo-ribs.
Reproduction and Infiltration
Genestealers reproduce by inserting a tiny embryonic organism containing their own genetic material into a host victim through a tube-like tongue called an Ovipositor. This process, known as the “Genestealer’s Kiss,” alters the host’s genetic code, suppressing their consciousness and turning them into a virtual slave. The host will then give birth to horrific Genestealer Hybrids, which will grow and multiply, eventually forming a Genestealer Cult.
Infiltration Cycle
The infiltration cycle begins with a Purestrain Genestealer, which inserts its genetic material into a host victim. As the infestation spreads, the first Genestealer takes on the role of a Genestealer Patriarch, growing larger and more powerful. The host victims, now Contagii, return to their societies and begin to have an urgent need to find a mate and start a family, passing on the Genestealer DNA to their offspring.
Generations of Genestealer Hybrids
As the contagii mate, they produce Maelignaci, or Genestealer Acolytes, which are slow, clumsy, and moronic. The next generation, the Hybrid offspring, are unique and can be selectively bred for traits such as speed, strength, or aggression. The third generation, True Hybrids, can be mistaken for members of their host species and are capable of using their host’s technology.
Notable Encounters with the Imperium
The Genestealers have had several notable encounters with the Imperium, including a devastating encounter with the Blood Angels Chapter on the moons of Ymgarl and a battle on the Sin of Damnation space hulk.
Names of Genestealers in Other Languages
The Eldar know Genestealers by many names, including “The Hider in Plain Sight” and “Kin-thieves.” To the T’au, they are known as Y’he’mokushi, or “beasts of the Silent Hunger.”
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