Cypher is one of Warhammer 40k’s most enigmatic figures, a Fallen Angel whose true allegiance is unknown. He’s a rogue agent whose actions could either save or doom the Imperium, and that ambiguity is exactly why he matters.
Who is Cypher?
Cypher is a title, not a name. In the pre-Heresy Order on Caliban, the Lord Cypher was a secret role: one member chosen to forsake his identity and become the living embodiment of the Order’s laws and traditions. He advised the Masters, officiated ceremonies, and ensured nobody strayed from their ideals.
The current Cypher is believed to be one of the Fallen, the Dark Angels who turned against the Emperor during the Horus Heresy. He wears a hooded cloak and carries a pair of plasma pistols, and he’s been active from M30 right up to the present day.
Why he matters
Nobody knows whose side Cypher is on. He’s fought alongside Chaos Terminators and Daemon Princes and Imperial Guardsmen and Space Marines. His confirmed kills include planetary governors, Chaos Lords, Chapter Masters, and high-ranking Inquisitors.
Wherever Cypher goes, dangerous elements gather. Whether that’s his doing or just a side effect of his presence isn’t clear, but it happens too often to be coincidence. He’s a loner, and even those who’ve fought beside him don’t know what he really wants.
What he’s been up to
Cypher has popped up at key moments across Imperial history. He was on Piscina IV, took part in the Terran Crusade, and even escaped from the Dark Cells beneath the Imperial Palace. Each appearance adds another layer of mystery.
His targets and destinations are as inscrutable as the man himself. The one constant is that everyone involved seems to serve some purpose in his grand plan, whatever that might be.
Gear and aliases
Cypher’s signature weapons are a pair of plasma pistols, and he’s deadly with them. He’s also used a variety of aliases over the millennia, making it even harder to pin him down.
His connection to the Dark Angels is undeniable, but whether he’s a loyalist, a traitor, or something else entirely is a question even the Inquisition can’t answer.
Key facts
- Cypher is a title from the pre-Heresy Order on Caliban, not a personal name.
- The current Cypher is believed to be one of the Fallen, the Dark Angels who turned against the Emperor.
- He’s been active from M30 to the present day, appearing at key moments in Imperial history.
- His true allegiance is unknown; he’s fought alongside both Chaos and Imperial forces.
- He carries a pair of plasma pistols and wears a hooded cloak.
- His presence attracts dangerous elements, and his goals remain a mystery.
FAQ
Is Cypher a loyalist or a traitor?
That’s the big question. He’s worked with both Chaos and Imperial forces, and his true allegiance has never been confirmed. He might be a threat to the Imperium, or its greatest hope, depending on who you ask.
What is Cypher’s connection to the Dark Angels?
He’s one of the Fallen, the Dark Angels who betrayed the Emperor during the Horus Heresy. The current Cypher is believed to be the same individual who held the title before the Heresy, though that’s not certain.
What weapons does Cypher use?
He’s famous for wielding a pair of plasma pistols, which he uses with deadly accuracy. He also wears a distinctive hooded cloak that hides his face.