The Gellerpox Infected are a horrifying manifestation of the warp’s corruption in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, specifically linked to the consequences of a failing Gellar Field—a vital technology that protects ships traveling through the Warp from its malevolent entities. When the Gellar Field weakens or fails, the dark forces of the Warp can seep into reality, mutating and corrupting the crew members into grotesque, plague-ridden monstrosities known as the Gellerpox Infected.
These unfortunate souls are twisted into abominations, their bodies warped into forms that are as deadly as they are horrifying. The Gellerpox Infected are characterized by swollen, pustule-covered flesh, tentacles, and mechanical augmentations fused with their bodies, reflecting both the organic corruption and the technological malfunctions caused by the Warp’s influence. They are led by a central figure, the Gellerpox Mutant, who is often more heavily mutated and stronger than the others, embodying the worst of the Warp’s corruption.
What makes the Gellerpox Infected particularly terrifying is their unpredictability. They aren’t just mindless zombies but are often driven by a twisted intelligence, motivated by the dark whims of the Chaos gods. They can manifest a variety of forms, from the lumbering hulks known as Nightmare Hulks to the skittering, insect-like Glitchlings, each bringing their own brand of horror to the battlefield.
The Gellerpox Infected are often used in skirmish-level games of Warhammer 40,000, particularly in Kill Team, where their grotesque appearance and horrifying abilities make them formidable opponents. Their presence on a battlefield is a chilling reminder of the dangers of Warp travel and the thin veil that separates reality from the madness of the Warp. Once noble or at least ordinary crew members, these beings have been turned into nightmarish tools of Chaos, their souls likely lost to the endless torment of the Immaterium.
In essence, the Gellerpox Infected serve as a cautionary tale within the Warhammer 40,000 universe—a warning of what happens when the Imperium’s vital technologies fail and the unrelenting darkness of the Warp is allowed to seep into reality. Their existence is a testament to the constant peril that humanity faces in this grimdark future, where even the most routine journeys can end in unimaginable horror.