Summary
Catch-all term for the bionic, tentacle-like augmetic limbs grafted to Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus and Techmarines of the Adeptus Astartes.
Lore
A Mechadendrite is the collective name for the assortment of bionic, tentacle- and arm-like prosthetics implanted into the bodies of the Tech-Priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus and the Techmarines of the Adeptus Astartes. Far longer than natural human limbs, mechadendrites are constructed of metallic alloys with multi-segmented joints, small motors and actuators housed within armoured casings, giving them the appearance of serpentine tendrils.
A mechadendrite is wired directly into the central nervous system of its bearer and obeyed through pure thought, in the same manner as a biological limb. Coordinating more than one with competence is a feat of decades of discipline, and many senior magi bear so many additional appendages that they appear less a man than a hive of writhing serpents. The augmetic limbs may grasp with the strength to lift a battle tank or with the fineness to seal the smallest wound in a vehicle’s flank.
Types and Function
Mechadendrites are bespoke wargear, customised to the work of their bearer. Common variants include:
- Utility — general-purpose tool clusters for maintenance and field repair.
- Optical — sensorial arrays for inspection at scales beyond the unaugmented eye.
- Plasma-cutter / Magnacutter — high-energy cutters for breaching armour and metal.
- Micro-mechadendrites — fine appendages for direct data interface and circuit work.
- Medicae — surgical and chirurgeon attachments.
- Ballistic / weaponised — including digital weapons and concealed armaments.
Tech-Priests of the rank of Enginseer and above are known to seek out implantation, and a body may bear as many augmetic limbs as its anatomy will permit.
In Battle
Although the priesthood are no front-line warriors, in the desperate hour they are forced — in the words of Games Workshop — to take defence “into their own hands, pincers, or prehensile mechadendrites.” Weaponised variants and digital cannons mounted upon them allow even an ageing magos to kill at range with a flick of metal tendrils.