Arco-flagellant

MUST KILL! BLOOD FO-I MEAN FOR THE EMPEROR!

An Arco-flagellant is the result of a rare case where a filthy heretic is deemed redeemable enough to be inducted back into the ranks of the Imperium. Of course, such a severe crime is often not left unpunished, and the Ecclesiarchy are sensible enough to punish them in the most appropriate way possible: by turning them into living weapons.

Arco-flagellants occupy a weird ethical and moral ground within /tg/: on one hand the idea of turning convicted criminals into biological weapons would make most modern governments shit themselves... on the other hand, these are traitor heretics we are talking about and sending them to a warzone to redeem themselves of their past wrong doings is quite noble in a way.

Arco-flagellation

The process of arco-flagellation is a method of penitence administered by the Adeptus Mechanicus, but appointed by the Ecclesiarchy. 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.

In arco-flagellation, the heretic undergoes extensive physical surgery and mental reconditioning, 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.

Arco-flagellants are almost unstoppable once activated, as the combat drugs and pain killers shot directly into their spine turns them into roided out maniacs, making them heedless of most injuries they sustain. They are literally Imperial Khorne Berserkers. 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.