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Misericordia
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
This article is about the dagger; for the vehicle restraint mechanism, see Caestus Assault Ram. |
The Misericordia ("blade of mercy") is a weapon usually in the form of a long dagger or short sword carried by the Legio Custodes, and later Adeptus Custodes[2], as a symbol of the Magisterium Lex Ultima which places them above all law except the direct authority of the Emperor of Mankind. Designed to deliver a single killing thrust, they may be used to carry out a death sentence or to euthanise a grievously wounded warrior.[1]
History
The Misericordia became symbols of the authority of executioner-judges and the complete power of life and death held by the warlords of Terra over their subjects during the Age of Strife. After the Unification Wars, only the agents and judges of the Emperor of Mankind were permitted to carry the Misericordia.[1]
See Also
Sources