Within the brutal and dystopian world of Necromunda, few roles shape the political and social landscape of the Underhive like the Propagandist and the Agitator. These two influential figures operate on the fringes of gang warfare and hive politics, wielding not brute strength, but the power of words, influence, and ideology. While many players focus on the raw firepower of Escher chem-weapons or the brute muscle of Goliath enforcers, understanding the function and impact of Propagandists and Agitators adds a deeper, more strategic layer to any Necromunda campaign. Whether you’re looking to manipulate public opinion, incite rebellion, or sow chaos for your gang’s benefit, these unique characters can become essential tools in your long-term strategy.
The Role of a Propagandist in Necromunda
Master of Manipulation
The Propagandist operates much like a political operative or cult recruiter within the Underhive. In terms of gameplay, they act as a support-type Hanger-on, contributing not through combat but by modifying the social and narrative aspects of a gang’s operations. They manipulate local populations, control information, and create loyalty through fear or ideology, depending on their faction and style.
- Affiliation: Can be aligned with any gang that values political sway
- Hired As: Hanger-on for settlement benefits
- Primary Function: Influence settlement control, increase campaign reputation
While other Hanger-ons might improve income or provide training bonuses, the Propagandist focuses on soft power. Their abilities can influence outcomes in downtime, control territories more effectively, and spread your gang’s message throughout the hive settlements. This makes them perfect for narrative-heavy campaigns or players who enjoy subtle power plays in their gang’s progression.
Campaign Benefits and Influence
Hiring a Propagandist in Necromunda offers strategic advantages outside of standard missions. Depending on the campaign rules in use, they can:
- Increase the chance of controlling specific territories
- Reduce the effects of downtime penalties
- Modify the results of narrative events
- Generate additional Income through ideological support
This makes them especially useful in long-term campaigns where economic stability and narrative presence are key. Gangs that rely on finesse rather than brute force can benefit tremendously from keeping a Propagandist within their roster, especially if playing as House Delaque or similar factions.
The Agitator’s Role in the Underhive
Inciter of Rebellion
If the Propagandist builds loyalty and spreads ideology, the Agitator is his chaotic twin destabilizing regions, turning locals against ruling factions, and sparking riots in the name of upheaval. In Necromunda, the Agitator is another type of Hanger-on with a far more aggressive, disruptive role in the social order of the hive.
- Specialty: Provoking unrest, disrupting enemies’ control of territories
- Ideal For: Gangs looking to disrupt enemy operations or weaken rivals through chaos
- Affiliations: Often associated with Cawdor, Chaos cults, or anarchist factions
The Agitator works best when you’re looking to play offensively in the campaign meta not by destroying enemies in battle, but by dismantling their infrastructure and alliances. While not always welcomed by stability-focused factions, this character type thrives in games with a strong political or narrative slant.
Tactical Utility
On a campaign level, Agitators excel in missions where psychological warfare and economic disruption play a major role. Their typical functions include:
- Lowering enemy gang morale or income through rumors and dissent
- Forcing enemy downtime events or penalties
- Turning settlements neutral or hostile to rival gangs
- Stirring up additional campaign complications for others
Using an Agitator effectively requires a solid understanding of campaign strategy. The best time to deploy them is after a rival gang has claimed a critical territory or is recovering from a costly battle. With the Agitator’s help, you can delay their momentum and turn the tide without even drawing a weapon.
Propagandist vs Agitator: Which Should You Choose?
Contrasting Strategies
Though both units influence the social landscape, their roles serve opposite purposes. Choosing between a Propagandist and an Agitator often comes down to your campaign goals and gang playstyle:
- Choose Propagandist: If you want to build alliances, strengthen control, or gain passive advantages through reputation.
- Choose Agitator: If your aim is to disrupt enemy factions, spread anarchy, or influence the hive through unrest and sabotage.
Some players may even find room for both in large campaigns, using the Propagandist to secure your own power base while the Agitator works to destabilize competitors. This dual strategy is particularly effective when your gang aims for narrative dominance rather than just battlefield superiority.
Synergies with Gang Types
Best Gangs for Propagandists
Not all gangs benefit equally from Propagandists. The following factions are considered highly synergistic:
- Delaque: Master manipulators who rely on influence, making Propagandists ideal assets.
- Van Saar: Their calculated approach benefits from efficient territory control and stable growth.
- Enforcers: Though lawful, they benefit from having voices in the population to maintain order and control public perception.
Best Gangs for Agitators
On the flip side, these gangs often find the Agitator a natural fit for their cause:
- Cawdor: Driven by religious zealotry, they use Agitators to spread fervor and undermine the unfaithful.
- Chaos Cults: Thrive on disorder and rebellion, and Agitators feed directly into their chaotic strategies.
- Orlock (Rebel builds): Though often balanced, certain narrative Orlock factions use Agitators to push against hive authority.
Campaign Scenarios and Use Cases
Where They Shine
Both Propagandists and Agitators are at their best in campaigns with evolving narratives, political intrigue, or territory-based resource systems. In these environments, their influence is felt not through dice rolls alone but through the shifting allegiances and power structures in the hive.
Examples of useful scenarios include:
- Post-battle recovery phases, where Propagandists reduce downtime penalties
- Territory disputes, where Agitators sow dissent in rival-controlled sectors
- Event-based campaigns with public unrest or faction diplomacy
Campaign GMs may even incorporate Propagandists and Agitators into special side missions or narrative arcs, rewarding players who engage with these mechanics meaningfully.
While often overlooked in favor of frontline fighters and heavy hitters, the Propagandist and Agitator offer unique strategic value in the complex world of Necromunda. Their influence stretches beyond the battlefield, shaping the political and narrative fabric of your campaign. Whether spreading ideology, ensuring loyalty, or stirring the flames of rebellion, these figures can become indispensable assets when used with intention. For players who enjoy layered storytelling and long-term planning, including a Propagandist or Agitator in your roster might just be the difference between victory and obscurity in the grim depths of the Underhive.