Imperial Agents (Warhammer 40,000): a Beginner's Guide to the Inquisition, Assassins and Arbites

Imperial Agents are the Imperium of Man's secretive specialists in Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitors, Officio Assassinorum Assassins, Adeptus Arbites enforcers, Navigators and Imperial Navy troops. They suit collectors who like characters and small, distinctive models rather than huge armies. The best way in is a handful of single-model kits, and many players add them to an existing Imperial force.

What are Imperial Agents in Warhammer 40,000?

Imperial Agents are not one army with a single look. They are a loose collection of organisations that serve the Emperor's will through investigation, enforcement, assassination and covert action. Each group has its own visual identity, so a collection can be as varied as you want.

Broadly, they fall into a few families:

• The Inquisition: powerful individuals who answer to almost nobody and who command retinues and allies.
• The Officio Assassinorum: elite killers sent alone to remove a single target.
• The Adeptus Arbites: the Imperium's law enforcers, in armoured gear built for breaking up unrest.
• Navigators and Imperial Navy: the specialists who make interstellar travel and fleet operations possible.

If you are new to the wider game, our Warhammer 40,000 guide explains the basics, and the complete Warhammer buying guide covers the hobby as a whole.

How do Imperial Agents play?

The common thread is specialisation. Imperial Agents tend to be small units and individual characters that do one job well, rather than a mass of identical troops. That makes them rewarding for players who enjoy picking the right tool for the moment.

Because the collection is so varied, many players use Agents as support for another Imperial army, while others build a small, themed force around an Inquisitor and their allies. How you can field them depends on the current rules publications, so check the latest book or app before you buy with a particular list in mind.

Where should a beginner start?

The low-pressure approach is to start with one character and one supporting unit, then grow from there. Single-model kits are quick to build and paint, which makes them a good way to learn a new style without committing to a big project.

1. Pick a leader. An Inquisitor gives your collection a focus and a colour scheme to build around.
2. Add a specialist. One Assassin is a satisfying, self-contained painting project.
3. Add a squad. Arbites or Navy troops give you a unit that looks the part beside your characters.

Which Inquisitors can you collect?

Inquisitors are the natural centrepiece. They are characters with a lot of personality, and each sculpt suggests a different feel for the force.

• Inquisitor Greyfax is a well-known named character from the Ordo Malleus, popular with collectors who like Inquisition lore.
• Inquisitor Kroyle offers a different look for players who want a more distinctive leader.
• Lord Inquisitor Kyria Draxus is a senior figure suited to anchoring a themed Inquisition collection.

Any of these makes a good first model. Choose by sculpt and character, since all three are painted as individual showpieces.

What are the Officio Assassinorum Assassins?

The Officio Assassinorum trains assassins in separate temples, each with its own methods. Each is sent out alone, which is why these models work as one-off painting projects. They also tend to look very different from one another on the shelf.

• The Vindicare Assassin is the marksman of the group, a sniper in sleek, restrained gear.
• The Callidus Assassin is the shapeshifting infiltrator, with a dramatic, agile pose.
• The Culexus Assassin is the psychic null, an unsettling figure that stands apart from the rest.
• The Eversor Assassin is the frenzied close-combat killer, the most aggressive-looking of the set.

If you only want one, choose the sculpt you most enjoy painting. If you want a full set of four, they make an attractive display and a flexible pool of options.

What about Arbites, Navigators and the Imperial Navy?

These kits broaden the collection beyond Inquisitors and killers, and they suit players who enjoy world-building.

• The Exaction Squad is an Adeptus Arbites unit that gives you armoured enforcers to stand alongside your characters.
• Imperial Navy Breachers are boarding troops, useful as a squad with a distinct industrial, military look.
• The Navigator is a strange, atmospheric character model, ideal if you like the odder corners of the setting.

How do you paint Imperial Agents?

Imperial Agents reward a flexible approach. Inquisitors often suit rich, dark colours with a few bright accents, while Assassins can be painted in the muted tones of their temple. Arbites and Navy troops can follow a uniform scheme so that the squad looks cohesive.

For a first project, one Inquisitor or Assassin is ideal. You can focus on a single model, practise the basics and take your time with details. Our guide to how to start painting Warhammer miniatures walks through the essentials, and the Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints guide helps you choose paints for the look you want.

Can Imperial Agents work with other armies?

Often, yes, and this is a large part of their appeal. Agents sit naturally beside other Imperial forces, and many collectors use them as a small side project. The exact options depend on the current rules, so confirm what your chosen army allows before you plan around it.

If you want to see how other factions compare, our guides to Iron Hands, Necrons, Leagues of Votann, Genestealer Cults and Emperor's Children cover the opposition and the wider setting.

Which rules do you need?

You need the core rules for Warhammer 40,000 and the current rules publication that covers the units you own. Rules are updated from time to time, so rely on the latest official versions rather than older copies or notes. Build and paint first, then check the rules for the models you have.

Imperial Agents FAQ

Are Imperial Agents a good first army?

They are a good first collection if you like characters and want to build slowly. Because the models are mostly single kits or small squads, you can learn to build and paint without a large upfront project. If you want a big battlefield presence from day one, you will probably need to pair them with another force.

Which Imperial Agents model should I buy first?

Start with the character that appeals to you most, either an Inquisitor or an Assassin. Both are self-contained painting projects and set the tone for the rest of the collection. A squad such as the Exaction Squad is a good second purchase.

How many Assassins can I collect?

The four in this guide are the Vindicare, Callidus, Culexus and Eversor. You can collect one, or all four for a full display. Each is sold separately, so you can add them over time.

Can I mix Imperial Agents with other Imperial armies?

Many players do. Agents are designed to fit alongside other Imperial forces thematically. Check the current rules for what is permitted in a given game mode.

Do I need special paints for Imperial Agents?

No. The standard Citadel and Warhammer Colour range is enough. Start with a small set of paints for your chosen scheme and add colours as you go.

Related guides

• Warhammer at Universe TCG: the complete buying guide
• Warhammer 40,000
• Iron Hands (Warhammer 40,000)
• Leagues of Votann (Warhammer 40,000)
• Necrons (Warhammer 40,000)
• Genestealer Cults (Warhammer 40,000)
• Emperor's Children (Warhammer 40,000)
• Citadel and Warhammer Colour paints: the complete guide
• How to start painting Warhammer miniatures