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Joining A Genestealer Cult

The threat of the Genestealer is an insidious one, attacking humanity at the genetic level. Throughout the Imperium, unseen strains of the xenos curse thrive in the dark places of worlds, amongst disparate populations and in the fringes of society. Necromunda is no exception, and even the foot soldiers of the Clan Houses are not immune to the spreading taint of the Broodlord of Hive Secundus.

The following section provides guidelines for creating a Genestealer Infected gang or running a gang that has become infected and joined a wider Genestealer Cult during a campaign. Any of the six House gangs – Orlock, Delaque, Escher, Cawdor, Goliath and Van Saar – can be infected by a Genestealer Cult if their player chooses.

Lure Of The Patriarch​

Infecting a gang with the Genestealer’s curse can be done in one of two ways: either the gang can begin enthralled by a Genestealer Cult or they can join one during a campaign.

  • During gang creation a player can decide if their gang carries the Genestealer taint. If they do they gain the benefits detailed that follow, but are also automatically an Outlaw gang (see page 6).
  • During a campaign, a player can attempt to embrace their Genestealer masters’ ways by having their gang submit to a Genestealer Cult after any game. When they do this, the gang automatically becomes an Outlaw gang as word of their deviancy spreads. Then, in the post-battle sequence their Leader can seek out a cult by making an Intelligence check. If successful they have found a cult and can join it. If they fail, they can try again after their next game.

Alternatively, if there is a player in the campaign who is already running a Genestealer Cults gang, or a gang corrupted by a Genestealer Cult, and they agree, the prospective cult gang can join the cult without the need to pass an Intelligence check.

Benefits Of The Brood​

A Genestealer Infected gang gains the following benefits:

  • The gang Leader may be upgraded to a Psyker.
  • The ability to hire 0-1 Aberrants.
  • Access to a Cult Icon.
  • The ability to hire Hybrid Juves.

Note that with the exceptions detailed previously, Clan House gangs retain access to their House Weapon lists and use the skill lists applicable to their gang. As an Outlaw gang (see page 6), the Genestealer Infected gang has restricted access to the Trading Post and cannot purchase House specific Exotic Beasts or Brutes, though may visit the Black Market without restriction.

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Designer’s Note: The Secundus Look…​

Genestealer Infected gangs provide a wealth of modelling opportunities for players. Bald-headed Orlocks in purple leathers, Goliaths with extra alien arms and chitinous plating for armour or Cawdor gangers carrying cult icons into battle alongside hulking Aberrants are just some of the options available to players.

While there are no game requirements to model a Genestealer Infected gang as different from their more wholesome counterparts, it is certainly encouraged! Players will find that many components in the Warhammer 40,000 Genestealer Cult range are cross-compatible with the Necromunda gangs with little or no modelling work. Also, in a campaign the Arbitrator might require Genestealer Infected gangs to be distinctive from their non-Genestealer counterparts, so that their opponents know what kind of gang they are facing.

Upgrading The Leader To A Psyker​

The Leader of a Genestealer Infected gang can be upgraded to become a Psyker for a cost of 40 credits. This cost is paid during the post-battle sequence and requires the Leader to forgo any Post-battle Actions, such as Trade or Seek Rare Equipment, and to not be In Recovery. Once the Leader has been upgraded, they gain the Non-sanctioned Psyker rule (see page 77 of the Necromunda Rulebook) and can choose a single power from the Genestealer Cults Wyrd Power list on page 48. Thereafter, they count Cult Wyrd Powers as one of the Primary Skill lists. Psychic Leaders also have access to Psychic Familiars (see page 47) and may hire them by following the rules for Exotic Beasts.

Hiring An Aberrant​

Genestealer Infected gangs can include a single Aberrant in their gang. This fighter is recruited and equipped just as if it was part of a Genestealer Cults gang (see page 44) and counts against the limit of Leaders, Champions and Juves that can be included in the gang.

Adding A Cult Icon​

Genestealer Infected gangs can include a single Cult Icon for 40 credits. This Cult Icon must be carried by the Leader or a Champion and follows the rules found on page 135 of Necromunda: Gangs of the Underhive.

Hiring Hybrid Juves​

When a Genestealer Infected gang recruits a Juve (either as part of gang creation, during the post- battle sequence or as a result of a territory such as a Settlement), they can instead recruit a Hybrid Juve. Hybrid Juves represent the first generations of the budding cult. They have the same profile and weapon restrictions as a normal Juve but come with a Extra Arm (see page 43) and cost 30 credits more (unless they are gained for free such as from a Settlement)

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