Cypher (Warhammer 40,000)

Revision as of 10:04, 21 January 2022

Cypher is a male character who features in Warhammer 40,000.

Biography

Cypher was the name given to a member of the Adeptus Astartes of the Dark Angels of the Imperium of Man.

The terrible secret of the Dark Angels is that during the Horus Heresy some of their brethren fell to Chaos, corrupted by the Legion's second in command, Luther. The renegades were defeated in a battle that destroyed the Dark Angels' homeworld, Caliban, but many of the traitors survived to be cast through space and time by the Chaos gods. The events of Luther's betrayal are known only to select few amongst the Dark Angels and their successor Chapters. The defeated survivors are known as The Fallen, mercilessly hunted down and made to repent by the Interrogator-Chaplains of the Dark Angels.

Cypher, one of the Fallen, continually draws the attention of the Dark Angels. He is believed responsible for many acts of instability across the Imperium, and is hunted by the Dark Angels with zeal even greater than that reserved for 'normal' Fallen. Even when he is captured, he soon vanishes, whisked away by his mysterious patron. Although his immediate presence heralds disorder and strife for the Imperium, it always emerges transcendent from it, stronger than before, which may suggest an intention behind Cypher's actions to make the Imperium stronger through struggle (following the old philosophy of 'what doesn't kill you makes you stronger') Like many of the Fallen, Cypher wears black power armor matching the pre-Horus Heresy livery of the Dark Angels, covered with white robes. He wields a bolt pistol and a plasma pistol of master craftsmanship, and is so skilled with them he can fire both simultaneously.

Although the Dark Angels believe that they can only gain forgiveness for their actions by "redeeming" all of the Fallen, others privy to the full tale believe that Cypher may have another answer. These people believe that Cypher's seemingly random appearances conceal a path that is slowly leading towards Holy Terra. They also point to the fact that Cypher carries a sword, yet he never draws it. This could be the sword of Primarch El'Jonson, broken in half and then lost during his final battle with the traitor Luther. One theory states that if Cypher manages to enter the presence of the Emperor of Mankind, the sword will repair itself and the Fallen Angels will be forgiven for their transgressions. Another theory states that Cypher wishes to use the sword to slay the dying Emperor's mortal body, thus completing the Star Child cycle.

Over those many millennia, the Dark Angels had caught up with their quarry many times but each time Cypher had inexplicably eluded them.

Overview

Personality and attributes

In reality, the Lord Cypher itself was originally a title within the Order of Caliban.

A mysterious figure, Cypher was a being wrapped in shadow whose motives and methods were an enigma. Those few aware of his existence were unsure if he was Mankind's bitterest enemy or a lost pilgrim seeking atonement.

To the Dark Angels, he was nothing less than their most hate foe with the Masters of the Chapter seeking him above all others.

Powers and abilities

He was bedecked in archaic makeshift gear as he had no Chapter to call his own forcing Cypher to make do with whatever he can gather. His backpack has been refitted countless times over the centuries, and his armour was a mix of various patterns. Similar to many of the Fallen, he was shown to wears white robes that covered his black power armor.

He was armed with a bolt pistol, and a plasma pistol incorporating an external heat dissipator. Both weapons were masterfully crafted with Cypher being skilled enough that he can fire both simultaneously.

The most standout feature was an enormous sword carried on his back which may or may not be the fabled Lion Sword.

Originally, the name adopted by Cypher was a post within the Order namely that of the Lord Cypher who operated as the Keeper of Secrets and traditions.

Notes

• Cypher was created by Games Workshop and he featured in the setting of the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
• During the Eye of Terror campaign, a figure known as the Voice of the Emperor served as a herald for Abaddon the Despoiler where his description matched that of Cypher though the two were never said to be the same character.
• In the novel Descent of Angels, part of the Black Library's Horus Heresy series, it is revealed that Lord Cypher is a title used by the Order, the knightly order commanded by Lion'El Jonson during his initial years on Caliban. The bearer of the title is responsible for maintaining the Order's traditions, rituals and ceremonies, and is an influential advisor to the Order's leadership. Upon taking the title, the Lord Cypher gives up his birth name; it is also forbidden for anyone else to use or even know it (Scanlon, 2007). Although the character Cypher does not appear in the novel, it seems implied that he is the last bearer of the title, and that therefore Cypher is not his birth name. Some fans believe one of the characters in Descent of Angels will become Cypher in a future novel.

Appearances

• Warhammer 40,000:

External Links

• Lexicanum Wiki Entry

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