Caryatid

--If looking for the Dungeons & Dragons construct known as the Caryatid Column, see Golem.

So that's where the Imperium got the idea of the Cherub from.

Caryatids (Homo sapiens caeruleum - caeruleum as in blue, get it?) are a bizarre looking creature that bears way too much resemblance to a Cherubim than any rights necessary. Whether they were the ones who spawned the idea of Cherubs are unknown. Weirder still is whether they are classified as a Xenos or an Abhuman, we aren't too sure where to put these flying Buddhist babies to be honest. The scientific name suggests abhuman but who knows really.

Overview

Native to Necromunda. Caryatids are found infesting the many air-ducts and vents in great numbers.

Caryatid is seen as good luck charms by many hivers, as they tend to attach themselves to charismatic, powerful and successful individuals: for example, very successful gang leaders and their henchmen are often attended by several Caryatids and Necromunda's Planetary Governor Lord Helmawr was known to have at least one.

Mildly psychic, they are particularly attracted to the soon-to-become-powerful and can penetrate human minds, usefully recognising malicious intentions against their companions and sometimes even fighting alongside those they latch onto. Although they are a sign of good fortune of those they adopt, an individual whose 'pet' caryatid leaves them is regarded as waiting for death, as the departure is seen as an omen of doom.

Caryatids' blue skin is generally covered by an intricate, tattoo-like pattern, and some are known to paint their faces (such as Lord Helmawr's) and wear bracelets, bangles, anklets and earrings. As well as fighting with small auto weapons, they have also been seen to carry light sources, such as a candle.