Imperial Agents - Warhammer 40k Guide

While the Astra Militarum are the hammer of the God Emperor, the Imperial Agents are the secretive enforcers of the Imperium’s will. Representing the many branches of the God Emperor’s authority, they operate across the galaxy to maintain order, hunt down heresy, and uphold the sanctity of mankind’s survival.
Comprising different factions such as the Inquisition, Adeptus Arbites, and Officio Assassinorum, these agents carry out covert and critical missions with relentless efficiency.

Join us as we explore the clandestine power and diverse roles of these Imperial Agents.

Grey Knight Terminator in big silver armor with red accenting on shield and flags on armor. Walking towards the camera in smoke trailing big bronze sword.

Who Are The Imperial Agents?

The Imperial Agents are a collection of specialized operatives working behind the scenes of the Imperium. They encompass several groups, each with its own distinct mission and methods, yet all bound by their unwavering loyalty to the God Emperor of Mankind and their dedication to the preservation of humanity.

Inquisition: Perhaps the most feared of all Imperial Agents, the Inquisition is tasked with rooting out heresy, corruption, and threats from within. Whether dealing with traitors, aliens, or psykers, the Inquisition has the authority to act with absolute autonomy.

Adeptus Arbites: Serving as the law enforcement arm of the Imperium, the Adeptus Arbites maintain order on Imperial worlds. Equipped with heavy armor and brutal weaponry, they enforce the Emperor’s law with ruthless efficiency.

Officio Assassinorum: The Emperor’s assassins are unparalleled in their lethality, trained from childhood to execute the most dangerous and high-profile targets. Each temple of the Officio Assassinorum specializes in a different form of assassination, from the stealthy Vindicare to the psychic Culexus.

The Imperial Agents are deployed across the galaxy, often working in secret, ensuring that vile Xenos, traitors, and the forces of Chaos are eliminated before they become a threat.

What Are the Imperial Agents Army Strengths?

The strength of Imperial Agents lies in their versatility and specialized roles. Each unit has a particular purpose, allowing players to customize their forces based on their strategy and the mission at hand. Here are some of their key advantages:

Elite Units: Imperial Agents bring some of the most powerful and precise operatives to the battlefield. Assassins, for example, are devastating in their ability to eliminate high-value targets with pinpoint accuracy.

Flexible Tactics: The varied nature of the Imperial Agents allows for adaptable strategies. Whether you need heavy enforcement from the Adeptus Arbites or covert eliminations from an assassin, Imperial Agents give you plenty of options.

Specialized Tools: Many units come equipped with unique wargear tailored to their roles. Inquisitors wield psychic powers, Arbites deploy riot shields, and Assassins have specialized weapons designed for specific types of targets.

However, this specialization can also be a limitation. Imperial Agents armies are often low in number, making them susceptible to attrition in long engagements. Careful positioning and strategic planning are vital to making the most of their elite abilities.

Vindicare Assassin on a building ledge with a rifle pointing out.

Where Should Beginners Start?

Here are some essential units for new players interested in building an Imperial Agents force:

Inquisitor: As the lynchpin of many Imperial Agents forces, an Inquisitor brings leadership and powerful psychic abilities. They can provide a range of buffs and can be equipped to counter various threats.

Vindicare Assassin: The Vindicare is an excellent long-range sniper, ideal for picking off key enemy leaders. Learning how to position and protect this assassin will teach you the importance of battlefield control.

Adeptus Arbites Patrol: For players wanting a more defensive or law-enforcing approach, the Adeptus Arbites offer sturdy infantry with strong shooting capabilities. They’re perfect for holding objectives and enforcing battlefield order.

Eversor Assassin: The Eversor is a brutal melee unit, designed to charge into enemy lines and cause devastation. Using this unit will help you practice aggressive, fast-paced tactics.

Starting with these units will provide a strong foundation for understanding the strengths and playstyle of the Imperial Agents.

Inquisitor with Deathwatch Marine inspecting a body on the floor.

How To Paint Imperial Agents

Painting Imperial Agents allows for creativity while staying true to their secretive nature. Below are some color schemes and techniques to bring out the best in your models:

Color Schemes

Inquisition (Black and Red)

Base Coat: Start with a base coat of Abaddon Black for the armor. Use Mephiston Red for robes and cloth details.
Layering: Highlight the black with Eshin Grey and the red with Evil Sunz Scarlet.
Details: For purity seals and weapon casings, use Retributor Gold for a regal touch.

Officio Assassinorum (Black and Silver)

Base Coat: Use Abaddon Black for the armor. For metallic details, apply Leadbelcher.
Highlighting: Use Stormhost Silver for weapon highlights and light drybrushing on the armor.
Details: Add depth to the armor with a Nuln Oil wash, and use bright reds or greens for visor lenses.

Adeptus Arbites (Blue and Silver)

Base Coat: Use Kantor Blue for armor and Leadbelcher for the metallic areas.
Highlighting: Highlight the blue with Calgar Blue and the metallics with Stormhost Silver.
Details: Use Averland Sunset for badge insignias and finish with an Agrax Earthshade wash for shading.

Ordo Malleus in dark armor with red shield and accenting. Giant silver hammer in hand.

Imperial Agents Painting Techniques

Depending on your army, you’ll need certain colors, but below are some techniques to get you started.

Base Coating: Apply an even base coat using a spray primer like Chaos Black or Corax White, depending on your chosen color scheme.

Washing: Apply washes such as Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade to bring out shadows and create depth in armor and fabric.

Drybrushing: Use drybrushing techniques to highlight the textures on armor plates and robes. A lighter shade like Dawnstone or White Scar works well for subtle highlights.

Edge Highlighting: Carefully edge highlight armor and weapons with lighter colors to emphasize the details. A steady hand will help create crisp, sharp lines.