The Scourges are a type of Drukhari warrior who’ve traded their ground-bound bodies for grafted wings and heavy ranged weapons. They’re rich, daring, and utterly ruthless, and they play a vital role in Commorragh’s brutal society.
What are the Scourges?
The Scourges are Drukhari who’ve undergone painful haemonculus surgeries to gain true flight. Their bones are hollowed out, wings are grafted to their backs, and extra muscle and adrenaline dispensers are added so they can soar through Commorragh’s spires.
This practice goes back to the ancient Solar Cults, and some Scourges become so altered they grow quills and feathers, their skulls reshaping into an avian look. They’re not considered true Scourges until they’ve flown to the upper spires of Commorragh and fought their way through Hellions and Reavers to reach a Scourge gang’s base. Survive that, and you’re in.
Role in Commorragh and on the battlefield
Scourges live in the upper spires and serve as warriors, spies, and messengers for Archons. Their work is so important that killing one invites a slow, creative death. Their messages often carry a poison that only the recipient has the antidote for.
In battle, they’re not your typical jump troops. Instead of charging into melee, they carry heavy weapons and excel at hit-and-run attacks against vehicles and heavy infantry. They wear Ghostplate Armour and prefer to keep their distance, since their bodies are expensive to replace. Common weapons include shardcarbines, blasters, and shredders, with heavier options like heat lances, splinter cannons, and haywire blasters. Some also carry melee weapons such as agonisers, venom blades, or power lances.
Known Scourge gangs and notable individuals
The Black Pinion is one known Scourge gang. Notable Scourges include Nefertari and Khastaphrax. A squad leader is called a Solarite, a title that references the old Solar Cults. Solarites are the most veteran and often the most physically altered members of their kind.
- Black Pinion: a known Scourge gang.
- Nefertari: a notable Scourge.
- Khastaphrax: a notable Scourge.
- Solarite: the leader of a Scourge squad.
Key facts
- The Scourges are winged Drukhari who’ve undergone haemonculus surgery to achieve true flight.
- They live in the upper spires of Commorragh and serve as warriors, spies, and messengers.
- They specialise in hit-and-run attacks with heavy ranged weapons, not melee combat.
- A Scourge squad leader is called a Solarite.
- Killing a Scourge is punished severely because their messenger role is vital.
- Known Scourge gangs include the Black Pinion; notable individuals include Nefertari and Khastaphrax.
FAQ
What are the Scourges in Warhammer 40k?
They’re winged Drukhari warriors who’ve been surgically modified for flight. They serve as messengers, spies, and heavy-weapon specialists in Commorragh’s armies.
How do you become a Scourge?
You need to be rich enough to afford a haemonculus’s surgeries, then survive a deadly vertical pilgrimage through the spires, fighting past Hellions and Reavers to reach a Scourge gang.
What weapons do Scourges use?
They favour ranged weapons like shardcarbines, blasters, shredders, heat lances, splinter cannons, and haywire blasters. Some also carry melee weapons such as agonisers or venom blades.