The Genestealer Cult Is one of the most deadly Xenos species in the galaxy. They possess all of the best traits of both humans and Tyranids. Let’s dissect these abominations.
Via: Lexicanum
This brood of Purestrains, hybrids and Brood Brothers is held together by strong psychic and genetic bonds, and assembles around the original Genestealer which becomes the 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.
At the top of a Genestealer Cult stands the Patriarch – he determines every action of the cult as its progenitor – he is beloved and seen as a kind of father-figure or, in the case of the Brood Brothers, as a god. Besides him in the hierarchy stands the Magus and Primus, hybrids of the fourth generation, who operates as a public leadership figure. Patriarch, Magus, and Primus form, together with the other hybrids and Genestealers, an inner circle which is responsible for leading the cult. Beneath them are the Genestealer Hybrids, Genestealer Aberrants, and Genestealer Familiars.
Brood Brothers may exist outside the cult but are still ultimately part of the clan. Even further outside stand the uninfected allies of the cult, mostly members of suppressed minorities, social fringe groups as well as mutants. These groups are not considered ideal hosts as they cannot contribute to the cult’s political power. They are mostly seen as unessential elements, of use only when the cult actively rebels, and are exploited ruthlessly.
The Patriarch and the Magus hold the highest level of leadership within the cult. The death of either, or worse, both figures causes at first confusion among the cult members. The order structure, however, can adapt and recover rather fast, and even the deaths of both figures will not shatter or destroy a cult. In the case of the Patriarch’s death, the Magus assumes the sole leadership over the cult, until the next oldest Purestrain Genestealer becomes the new Patriarch.
