Exterminatus
Warning: This definition may contain spoilers from any number of Games Workshop novels or source books.
Exterminatus: The killing of an entire planet through virus bombardment or similar from orbiting ships. This action is reserved for only the most desparate situations where a planet cannot be saved.
In Inquisitor, the exterminatus ordered by >Jaq Draco<> is carried out by Space Marines of the Ravagers Chapter. The virus itself is described as 'the life-eater'; a virus that multiplies at a tremendous rate and devours all organic life down to amino acids and proteins, leaving only metals and buildings standing. Messages requesting exterminatus are prefixed by what is sometimes referred to as the 'triple-D' code-phrase: Digamma, Decimatio, Duodecies: Death, Destruction, Doom.
Source: Draco by Ian Watson
Submitter: Simguinus
