Brainstealers

Brainstealers are a variant of the Genstealer. Their modifications are intended to make them not only more dangerous but also more useful. Their Scorpio ancestry is seen in their spiny, insectoid limbs and curving tails. The Brainstealers possess thickened carapace from their scorpion heritage which protects them well. The claws and blades of the Brainstealers work well to deal with many enemies.
 
The Brainstealers are well known for being stealthy. They often operate with the Scorpionlord and are able to covertly penetrate enemy territory quite easily with their master. They also often work as scouts to root out prey quickly. Their feeder tendrils are what give the Brainstealers their name. These tendrils are highly sensitive to the surrounding environment and provide useful information to nearby Tyranids. They are also used inside the hive for accessing damage, egg quality and many other tasks.
 
They are called Brainstealers as the feeder tendrils are also used on captured prey, either in the field or when prey is cocooned inside the hive prior to it's liquidation or gene-splicing. The feeder tendrils are used to extract the prey's brain with more precision than a surgeon. The brain is then consumed and it's memories absorbed so they can used to provide intelligence on the prey.