Lictor

From Lexicanum

Tyranids Portal

Despite its large size, the lictor is very agile and fast, able to outmanoeuvre nearly all other enemy units. It is with this speed coupled with its strength that the Lictor strikes from hiding; the victim surprised and unable to react in time.

Games Workshop's 4th edition Lictor model.

Lictors are some of the most insidious predators in the Tyranid fleets. They stand far taller than even a Space Marine and have chameleonic skin that they use to infiltrate the enemy ranks before suddenly striking into the heart of their forces, creating mass panic. They are also known to be the only Tyranid species that will stalk its prey before killing.

They are known for devouring their prey's brains to assimilate its genetic material. Their typical armament is two pairs of enormous scythe-like talons and rending claws.

Lictors rove ahead of Tyranid ground swarms seeking out pockets of enemy resistance and native lifeforms to be absorbed. They are intelligent and possess highly developed sensory organs so they can see, smell, hear and taste their prey long before it becomes aware of their presence. Lictors appear to be a specialist mutation of the Tyranid Warriors and are highly adapted to survive in hostile environments and a stalker/predator role. Stalking Lictors exude a pheromone trail which draws other Tyranid creatures in their wake. A larger concentration of prey stimulates a stronger pheromone response and brings a larger group of trailing Tyranids.

The Death Leaper is a unique one-off mutation of the Lictor genus with evolved camouflage abilities.

Sources

• ¹ Imperial Armour Volume IV
• ² GW Medusa V website (accessed 2007.04.18)

See also

• Species of Tyranid
• Death Leaper