Genestealer Cult Creation Tables
The Genestealer Cult Creation Table. They are finally a fully-fledged army again! To celebrate their resurgence, we've created the tables below. You can use them to create your very own Genestealer Cult!
Happy insurrection!
For a more printable version of these tables, see here.
Creation Table[edit]
Cult's Progenitor[edit]
What Hive Fleet spawned the Cult's first Members?
Note: Just because a Hive Fleet seeded the cult doesn't mean that they will be the ones to come try and eat them.
With tendrils entering from below the Galactic plane, Leviathan is the largest fleet to have assailed the Galaxy yet. Their Genestealers have seeded uprisings in thousands of systems. These cult members are tenacious and enduring; even if they can't throw off the yoke of the Imperium, they can fight losing uprisings for much longer than other cults. This keeps their worlds in enough turmoil long enough to be easy pickings for when the Star Fathers arrive.
Spawned by one of the first great fleets to fight the Imperium, this cult may express the aggression and drive Behemoth is infamous for and a larger than usual amount of Abhorrents.
One of the first fleets to seed Cults on a large scale, the great Hive Fleet Kraken wasn't wholly destroyed, and this cult makes a world ready for the coming of one of these splinters. Often exploding into large violent uprisings, cults spawned by Kraken often dedicate members to be sent to other worlds shortly before the day of the uprising to further spread the name of the Four-Armed Emperor without the need for Tyranid intervention.
This cult was spawned by one of the preeminent employers of the Genestealer Cult. It will probably enjoy an extensive network of caves excavated by the other lifeforms that infiltrated alongside its Patriarch. Since the cult will have been cooperating with Trygons and Mawlocs from the beginning means that should they rise up on their own, they will have tunnelling assets that other cults have no access to. Should their Star Fathers arrive to slay the foul Imperials together, the cult will often be able to work alongside the horrifying insectoids far more readily than other cults will once they are confronted with the reality of their gods.
Cults brought about by Hydra are often seeded in the path of the smaller splinters Hydra likes to prey on. Many times, this cult will early on have to snuff out a cult spawned by rival Genestealers and often have their Day of Uprising forced by the coming or Hydra, the smaller fleet they were seeded to intercept, or both.
This Hive Fleet has begun to rebuild itself from a broken splinter of Behemoth, pulling itself from the brink of extinction. This cult is just as adaptive and underhanded as its masters in the void. Common in these infestations are the usage of poisons and concoctions, the presence of extra limbs and other mutations that often grow in response to threats.
These cults often demonstrate resistance to and almost an innate understanding of Chaos and The Warp. They often spawn large numbers of Psykers and thrive on chaos-held worlds and in the former territories of chaos cults in Imperial worlds. Many planets have found their problem with Chaos Cultists suddenly dropping off and thanked the Emperor as nearby warp storms calm and retreat, not knowing how damned they are until it is too late.
Since M35, what are now thought to be Tiamet lifeforms have been sighted. Tiamet has been loading Genestealers into Space Hulks and derelict ships for a long time. Cults spawned by Tiamet choose not to take over a world for their Four-Armed Emperor. Instead, they will often invade ports and spaceships by force and secure a small fleet to act as their ark before setting sail for promised "Paradise Planets" in the heart of Tiamet's Fortress-Hive. Not before sending some Pure-Strains to other untouched worlds, of course.
- Unknown/Minor
Spawned either from a smaller Hive Fleet, such as Naga or Moloch or an as-of-yet fleet. This Cult bears markings unfamiliar; perhaps their ascendance will allow their Star Fathers to become the next greatest threat to the galaxy. Or perhaps you could make your own.
- Ymgarl Cult
This cult does not originate from a known Hive Fleet but the strange Ymgarl Genestealers. These cults often shine a beacon for the Hive Fleets sharing the Ymgarl’s wish to rejoin with the hive, one the Hive Fleets themselves do not share. Aside from that, their motives, methods and beliefs vary wildly, the presence of the strange and powerful Purestrain Ymgarls and the use of their unique abilities being the only constant.
Cult's Planet of Origin[edit]
Where did the Cult Originate?
- Hive World
This cult's seed was planted amid a massive urban sprawl, providing all the nooks and crannies needed to spread its influence. These Cults are characterized by their sheer numbers.
- Forge World
Heavy industry, mining, and more than a bit of tech heresy, Cults that develop within Forge Worlds have a natural predilection for heavy machinery of all kinds.
- Agri-World
Everyone and their mums are part of a Cult round 'ere. For example: Farmers. Farmers' mums. Try converting Goliath trucks out of tractors and backhoes.
- Civilized World
The rich elite calls this planet home, always looking for a new thrill making them perfect targets for the Cult's perversion. Cults from these worlds often have better and more sophisticated equipment due to the vast funds they gain access to.
- Imperial Guard Tithe World
The only thing this planet provides to the Imperium is warm bodies, which Cults are more than happy to re-appropriate. These Cults often have large amounts of Brood Brothers and other war materiel typically found supporting the ranks of the Imperial Guard.
- Shrine World
In a cruel irony, this Cult has taken hold within the very heart of the Imperial Faith. Maybe the planet worships a particular Four-Armed aspect of the Emperor? In any case, Cults from these planets often have a higher preponderance of Magi and other influential individuals.
- Death World
Living on a Death World can push the desperate to seek aid and succour from someone closer to home than Him on Earth. Flourishing under the harshest conditions imaginable, these Cults have some of the most disciplined troops.
- Ork-held Planet
Dese purpley gits ain't got nuffin' on us Boyz! Dey do have some right propa gubbinz though, an' sparkly bits...
- Tau-held Planet
Cults on these planets must grow even more slowly than usual. However, the firepower they bring is truly frightening when they finally erupt in glorious revolution.
- Eldar Craftworld
The rarest of all Cults develop over millennia aboard Eldar Craftworlds, though this is no guarantee of eventual success. Most are destroyed well before they emerge as a genuine threat. Those few Cults who succeed are characterized by their extremely developed Psychic ability.
Terrain of the Origin Planet[edit]
Origin Planet Terrain
- Urban
Street gangs, vagrants, and urchins are the first to fall to this Cult's influence.
- Jungle
How do you eradicate a force that can fade into the shadows of the canopy above?
- Desert
The Cult probably got its start hoarding moisture accumulators and power converters. Eating womp rats, too.
- Underground
Some cataclysm on the surface forced the population into tunnels beneath the ground. The tight confines are the perfect place for the Cult to develop.
- Wasteland
Scavenging is a must on these desolate, barren plains. The Cult has learned this skill with aplomb, converting their already rugged vehicles to deal with the relentless dust.
- Ice
Fighting a Cult that has grown and developed in this kind of terrain is likely to leave you...cold. Bonus points for having your Patriarch speak like Mr. Freeze.
- Space Station/Satellite
A huge space-based metropolis orbiting a planet, or a botanical garden encased within a sphere perhaps. The Cult is experienced conducting combat in low-grav environments and traversing the void.
Access to Technology[edit]
Level of Tech Available
Barely anything more complicated than simple melee weapons, maybe some improvised or cobbled-together weaponry from discarded and scavenged machinery.
Makeshift weaponry, hunting tools, and repurposed industrial equipment. Very little originally intended for a combat purpose beyond simple autoguns.
Actual weaponry, though not particularly advanced. Akin to that used by local law enforcement groups such as Arbites, probably stolen or bought from them, including light body armour.
Military-grade weaponry, vehicles, and sophisticated scanning equipment.
High-end military materiel, including some still in the prototype phase. This includes some Weapons of Mass Destruction and/or planet-threatening weaponry.
The Cult's Combat Specialisation[edit]
Specialisation
- Striking from the shadows
- Swarming the enemy
- Armoured assault (with improvised vehicles if necessary)
- Shock and Awe
- Sabotage and Subterfuge
- Urban combat
- Ranged combat
- Close-quarters fighting
- Assassination/Cutting the head off the snake
- Iron Discipline/Unshakeable Faith in the Patriarch
Sphere of Influence[edit]
Sphere of Influence
Almost insignificant, barely a blip on anyone's radar.
Small, a thorn in the population's side, they have not yet ascertained the true nature of the threat.
Medium, a legitimate threat, though possibly not the most pressing on the planet, depending on other factors.
Large, the planet is in dire straits.
Enormous, the planet has essentially been entirely taken over by the Cult. All the Cult has to do now is await their Deliverance...
Cult's Greatest Hero[edit]
Cult's Greatest Hero
- Magus
- Primus
- Patriarch
- Alphus
- Roll another d6
1: Biophagus
2: Kelemorph
3: Clamavus
4: Locus
5: Nexos
6: Sanctus
- Jackal
- Vehicle operator
- Neophyte/Acolyte
What are/were they famous for?
Killed a powerful enemy of the cult in a duel.
Commanded an army/force to victory.
Completed an important subterfuge mission.
Saved many of their comrades from discovery or death.
Left on a noble voyage to find the rightful gods and bring them home, will return during the cult's time of greatest need.
Marked by the gods. This character received a holy mutation marking them as a significant figure and is looked up to.
Did something barely noteworthy that has been inflated by the leadership for propaganda purposes.
Totally fictional character- deeds are many, varied, and more mythological than realistic.
The Cult's Main Enemy[edit]
Nemesis
- Local church or religious group.
The priests or clergy in this group suspect heresy but have little evidence to back it up, save for a definite feeling of dread and unease.
- Local Medicae Facility or Hospital.
One too many visits by a Cult member has led to these medical professionals noticing physical oddities, like strangely coloured skin and brow ridges, leading to them becoming highly suspicious.
- Local Gang or Mob of importance
The gang believes the Cult to be just another group of weirdos stepping on their turf. They'll be proven wrong when the time is right.
- Local law enforcement agencies/Arbites
Although most of your flock have been the epitome of the perfect labourer, there's just something subtly wrong with how they behave. The local police have noticed and are watching closely...
- Significant Noble/Politician/Public Figure
A failed attempt at bringing this individual under the thrall of the cult has led them to incredible paranoia of it and its motives.
- Another Cult, roll a d6
1-2 Chaos Cult
3-4 Bizarre offshoot of the Imperial Faith
5 Death Cult/Cult of Ynnead if on Craftworld
6 Genestealer Cult spawned by a different Hive Fleet
- No single enemy.
Either because you've eliminated the competition or the Cult is not yet big enough to have drawn attention.
Likelihood of Tyranid arrival[edit]
Likelihood of Tyranid arrival
- Almost impossible
This cult is nested deep within imperial space (perhaps on Terra itself) or otherwise somewhere out of reach.
- Unlikely
While it would take a massive invasion from a Hive Fleet, it is still possible for the cults to meet their masters in the foreseeable future.
- Possible
Tyranid fleets are in the region of this cult and will reach them if they are victorious over their enemies in the region- although this is by no means a certainty.
- Likely
They're coming, and only a scant few forces stand between a Hive Fleet and this cult's home planet. Victory against the Tyranids is possible, but it would take a miracle.
- Almost Certain (distant).
While the closest Hive Fleet will almost certainly arrive to 'liberate' the planet, there is still some time. Roll a d10 to determine roughly how many centuries it will take for them to arrive.
- Almost Certain (imminent).
It's only a matter of time before the great ones arrive. Rejoice! The gods' arrival is imminent. They will arrive in less than a century- roll a d10 to determine how many decades it will take for them to arrive.
Chance of Detection[edit]
Roll 1d100 - this is the percentage chance of the cult being detected within the next decade.
