General Traits
Imperial
Deviants
By David “Serpine” Rosson
Approved Abhumans
Tolerated Mutants
Latent Psykers
Biological deviation is a plague that has gripped the
Imperium for much of its recorded history. Whether
caused by chaos, exposure to ancient technologies, or
specific (usually heretical) experimentation there are
many who struggle under the label of mutant or witch. In
some cases a change becomes so widespread in a
population that it even stabilizes, leading to the so-called
abhumans. While the afflicted are blights in eyes of the
Emperor, and farcical tales that He once accepted such
beings are obviously the creation of the adversaries of
man, a select few are not killed outright. The grim truth of
the age is that necessity binds the hands of the faithful,
and that sometimes the deviant must be tolerated, though
never truly accepted.
The most severe examples of this include fully developed
Imperial Psykers, the cursed Untouchables, and extremely
altered abhuman “races” like the Ogryn and Navigators.
These cases are so extreme, and frequently so intertwined
with the nature of the Imperium, that they must be
handled separately. Most cases of mutation are not nearly
so distinctive however.
The otherwise unremarkable citizens of an isolated planet
may have developed a simian build, better adapted to
climbing: If their loyalty to the Imperial Creed is clear
enough, the Administratum may declare them Approved
Abhumans. Meanwhile, some of the literally warped
denizens of the deep hives and broken lands are
frequently used as a cheap, powerless work force or in
vast mutant slave levies as a weapon of war: If one of
those proves themselves loyal or useful enough, they may
find employment as a Tolerated Mutant in the retinue of
a criminal lord, desperate official, or even on rare
occasions a particularly radical inquisitor. Lastly, an
orphan raised in the Schola Progenium may demonstrate a
minor psychic aptitude, but the faith and strength of will
to resist the lure of chaos: With neither the potential
power to serve as a Sanctionite or Astropath, or the
weakness that brands one for sacrifice, such Latent
Psykers are sometimes trained to serve and protect
officials, or even the Imperium itself.
All of the lesser Imperial Deviants covered by these rules
share a number of common elements, detailed below.
There but for the Emperor’s Grace…: Save for their
mutations and low standard of living, deviants are much
like other citizens. They chose Home World, Generate
Characteristics, and select Career Path in the regular ways
with mostly the usual restrictions. However, they may not
choose to be Adepta Sororitas, Arbiters, or Clerics do to
the required purity of those roles. They may also not be
Noble Born (such accidents of birth are quietly
eliminated) and may not be Ogryns, Ratlings, Squats or
other extreme deviants best covered elsewhere. Latent
Psykers may not also be Imperial Psykers.
The Emperor’s Contempt: To live as an abhuman or
mutant is to be the most reviled thing that can possibly be
still allowed to survive in the Imperium, and even that is
uncommon. In His wisdom the Emperor grants no special
guidance to such beings, so they may not roll on the
Imperial Divination table.
Opportunity Equals Purity: Imperial Deviants spend
most of their early days just trying to survive and, more
importantly, to prove themselves more of a use then a
threat. As such they lack the initial training and life-
lessons that a common citizen would so gain. To reflect
this, deviant characters must spend 200 of their starting
experience points (300 if a Latent Psyker) just for the
“privilege” of having lived this long.
My Brother’s Keeper: No deviant is trusted fully. To
move about in the Imperium they must have all three of
the following at all times (barring inquisitorial mandate):
• Explosive Collar: (DH p147). Local authorities
are equipped with general codes to activate
these, and Handlers (see below) will usually
have the code for just this collar. Sometimes this
may also be time triggered (requiring check-ins)
and it could instead be represented by a poison
or even a psychic “program” in the deviant’s
mind, though it will be just as lethal in any case.
• Handler: Another (usually player) character who
takes responsibility for the actions of the deviant
and suffers like punishment for their crimes. An
inquisitor will usually assign this role to another
even if present, to keep his own hands clean.
• Papers: Practically unforgeable (-30 modifier);
These documents stipulate the rights (few) and
responsibilities (many) of the deviant. Losing
them usually results in an early demise, and
many illiterate, suspicious, or unhappy officials
are notorious for declaring them fake, just to be
 on the safe side. +5 Int, -5 Fel, Can’t spend or burn Fate.
Approved Abhumans
Approved Abhumans are large populations of mutants
who have a physical change that breeds true over
generations. Technically Ogryns, Ratlings, Squats, and
Navigators (among others) fall into this category, though
they are so developed that they are practically nonhuman
and usually have a separate culture, unlike those who are
still classified as an Imperial Deviant.

Considered the most “acceptable” type of deviant by

naive citizens, abhumans can erupt naturally on isolated
planets, usually making them better adapted to their
environment. A handful are scientifically engineered as
well, though such experiments are considered ill-advised
at best, and more typically an act of Heresy. In any case,
once an abhuman race is documented, the Administratum
reviews their history, biology, culture, and level of faith
with a series of complex calculations and tests. Those
found wanting are exterminated, while those that pass are
allowed to serve the Imperium as low-rung citizens.
Commonly they are isolated to their home-world unless
part of military levies or an official’s retinue.

Radical inquisitors frequently rely on any tool available,

and the extreme traits, desperation to prove their people
worthy, and relative tolerance in the Imperium (compared
to regular mutants) of an abhuman is a useful and
powerful mix. A rare few puritan inquisitors also have
occasionally stomached singularly useful abhumans to
work for them, though only under careful watch and
usually for but a short time.

Approved Abhuman Traits

All abhumans have a set of traits that set their kind apart
from the rest of humanity. These are usually less severe
then those of a “true” mutant, and many such beings can
pass among normal citizens if they exercise reasonable
care. On the other hand, some abhuman races have such
extreme traits that they are assumed to be mutants when
off their home world and should thus be handled
according to the Tolerated Mutant section of this
supplement. Determine traits for an Approved Abhuman
(or more subtle mutant) by choosing from the list below.
A range for a d100 roll is included with each option
should random selection be desired.

Afriel Strain (01-05): Allegedly engineered from the

DNA of great Imperial heroes, the Afriel are seemingly
perfect in mind and body (aside from being mostly
albinos), but inspire instinctual disgust in others and seem
fated to experience the most horrible turns of chance as
punishment for their nature. Other abhumans with similar
traits have been found, created, or bred during the
Imperium’s long history. Traits: +5 Str, +5 Tgh, +5 Agi,
Beastkin (06-15): Heretical tales claim that Beastmen,
obvious servants of Chaos, once served the Imperium.
Perhaps the occasional use of abhuman Beastkin as
suicide troops accounts for this lie? Shaggy and with
other vaguely animal features, Beastkin have a strong
connection to lower animals, but are among the most
frequently discriminated against abhumans. Traits: Must
be Feral World origin, +5 Perception, Wrangling skill
(or Talented (Wrangling) if they have it normally), -5 Fel.
Gland Warrior (16-25): Most famously represented by
the Lostok 23rd company on the polluted world of Dantis
III, the gland warrior process equips a human with drug
secreting organs that allow them to better function on the
harsh battlefield at the cost of their reason and self
control. A disturbing number of populations in the
vicinity of the Eye of Terror develop such capabilities
“naturally.” Traits: Frenzy talent, Resistance (one) talent,
-5 Int, -5 Wil, +5 Insanity.
Lesser Ogryn (26-40): Unlike true Ogryn, Lesser Ogryn
(sometimes called “Brutes” or “Feral Ogryn” depending
on their planet of origin) maintain some loose elements of
their original nature. Sadly this, combined with their
instinctive aggression, makes them slightly more likely to
fall from the Imperial path. Traits: +10 Strength, Hardy
talent, -10 Agility, +5 Corruption.
Longreachers/Longstriders (41-60): A relatively
common type of abhuman on planets with more
impassable terrain, Longreachers and Longstriders have
elongated legs or dangling arms and an atypical level of
agility. Unfortunately their narrower frames are also more
easily broken. Traits: Sprint talent or Talented (Climb)
talent, +5 Agility, -2 Wounds.
Nightsider (61-70): Nightsiders have erupted on some
planets cursed with continual darkness or underground
populations. Their usually bulbous eyes allow them to
function in near perfect darkness but painfully
overcompensate in better lit conditions. Traits: Dark
Sight (DH p329), -10 to tests in bright light.
Sensate (71-90): Another common abhuman type,
Sensates have a singularly large sensory organ or folds of
sensitive skin in the case of touch. While visually off-
putting, it is normally fairly concealable. Traits:
Heightened Senses (one), +5 Perception, -5 to resist
sensory attacks, -5 Fel.
Watcher (91-100): Not to be confused with Ratlings or
the similarly named Watchers in the Dark that serve the
Dark Angels, the hairless Watchers have large craniums
but tiny bodies. They are used as familiars and servants in
the Imperium with alarming frequency. Traits: +10 Int,
-5 Str, -5 Tgh, Scrawny (DH p332).
Tolerated Mutants
Tolerated Mutants are individuals of unique deviancy.
Their mutations may be similar to those found among
abhumans but are not shared from parent to child, even in
long family lines where mutation plagues every member.
Packs, families, and even colonies of mutants exist in the
foul and secluded corners of the Imperium. Pollution
fouled worlds, former battlegrounds against chaos, and
the pits beneath Hive Cities all can conceal the taint of the
mutant. Even the higher born are not immune to the
potential of a corrupted child, though they are quick to
dispose of it lest their hidden sins be revealed.
The best that such beasts can usually hope for is to be
used as slave labor, to be thrown against the enemies of
man in a suicidal wave, or to evade authorities in the
underbellies of a hive. They are hunted as signs of
corruption by the citizens of the Imperium, and can never
hope to earn the level of respect granted to even the
lowest abhuman.
This makes them an almost perfect tool in the hands of an
inquisitor: A mutant can have great personal capabilities
but has no allies, no rights, and no hope save that granted
by his master. No one will miss them if they die, and no
one will believe them if they reveal their liege’s darkest
secrets. Of course, care must be taken in using such
creatures: Harboring a mutant, let alone employing one,
will almost certainly brand one a radical and catch the
often violent attention of the puritan members of the
Inquisition and the Sororitas.
Tolerated Mutant Traits
As with abhumans, tolerated mutants have a set of traits
that set them apart, in this case from all others. Usually
these are severe and very visible, but in a handful of cases
they can be subtle enough that the creature more
resembles one of the common types of racial deviant
rather then an inhuman monster. In these cases, using the
Approved Abhuman rules for such characters makes more
sense, just as particularly freakish abhumans should be
instead treated as Tolerated Mutants.
All Tolerated Mutants (and freakish abhumans) have a +5
Toughness and -5 Fellowship to represent hardening from
their harsh struggle for survival and the public hatred they
endure. These modifiers are cumulative with the
individual mutant traits detailed later. Individual mutant
traits should be determined by choosing from the
following list. A range for a d100 roll is included with
each option should random selection be desired.
Claws/Teeth (1-10): The deviant has either elongated
fangs, or bladed fingers. Either way their natural weapons
are as much hindrance as help. Trait: d5+1 R damage
natural weapon, Either -5 to all language skills or -5 to
checks requiring manual dexterity.

Grotesque (11-25): The mutant is foul of visage, with

possibly misplaced, distorted, or even missing body parts.
Being a horror themselves, they are hard to frighten.
Abhuman populations afflicted by this mutation are
frequently called “Subs”. Traits: +10 Intimidate tests,
+10 vs Fear, -15 Fel.

Misshapen (26-40): The limbs and spine of the mutant

are bent and aligned in an unnatural pattern. While
clumsy, the twisted are unusually capable in battle. Trait:
+5 WS, +5 Str, +10 Contortionist checks, -5 Agi, -5 Fel.

Natural Armour (41-55): Via carapace, leathery folds of

flesh, or massive scar tissue, the deviant’s skin is hard to
puncture. Ironically, this mutation frequently goes
unnoticed among the often brutally damaged citizens of
the Imperium. Traits: +1 AP natural armour, -10 to tests
involving sense of touch.

Polluted (56-65): The blood of the polluted is fouled by

toxins or poison, generating an unpleasant smell and
typically bloated appearance. Traits: +10 resistance to
toxins, poisons, and disease, -5 Int, -5 Fel.

Stunted (66-80): Unlike the shorter abhumans, who look

relatively normal, a stunted mutant is shrunken and bent,
almost as if crushed or hacked down to their small size.
Likewise their voices sound horribly torn between those
of child and animal. Traits: Disturbing Voice talent, +5
Perception, -5 Str, -10 Tgh, Scrawny (DH p332).

Tail (81-90): A long flexible tail extends from the

mutant’s back. Typically hairless and leathery, it
improves balance and can even be seen as “exotic” by the
weak-minded. Oddly however, mutants with this trait
frequently appear easily distracted by both their
appendage and things around them. Traits: Catfall talent,
+5 Agility, -5 Awareness tests, -5 Search tests.

Unnatural Excretion (91-100): A foul mucous oozes

from the flesh of the mutant, gradually soaking their
garments and leaving a slimy trail in extreme instances.
While useful defensively, it harms both their grip and
their ability to hide. Traits: +5 Dodge checks, +10
Grapple checks, -1 damage from fire, -5 BS, -5 WS, -5
Fel, -5 Concealment tests.

Latent Psykers
Psykers are a particularly troubling form of deviant to the
Imperium. Born connected to the warp, and thus the
purest enemies of mankind, their existence is a constant
threat. However, without such as them there would be no
civilization. Interstellar navigation and communication is
performed with psychic guidance. Many staunch
defenders of mankind including the Space Marine
Librarians, the Grey Knights, and even members of the
Inquisition wield such powers in some capacity. And of
course, the Emperor himself was a psyker of unparalleled
power before his ascension to the Golden Throne.
To allow for this inherent contradiction, the simultaneous
need for psykers and need to keep them in check, a series
of constant checks has been put in place. The Black Ships
ply the space lanes, taking their tithe of psychics to be put
through terrible tests of mental resolve and spiritual
purity. The placement programs of the Schola Progenium
and the selection methods of the Adeptus Astartes both
watch vigilantly for any sign of the ability to bend the
warp. Even primitive societies and noble houses watch
constantly for those who will manifest power that they
can control for their own ends.
However discovered, a psyker faces one of several fates.
Those strong of both will and potential may be sanctioned
and trained to serve, depending on their background and
purity, as Sanctionites, Librarians, or even Grey Knights.
Those found wanting of will, but with supreme potential,
may find themselves reborn in the Emperor’s presence as
Astropaths. Those lacking both will and potential, or any
of the above lacking sufficient loyalty to the Imperium,
are sent to Terra to serve in an… important but brief…
capacity. And lastly, those few of powerful will but
relatively meager potential, being to useful to dispose of
but insufficient for other uses, may receive training to
become Imperial Latent Psykers.
An Imperial Latent Psyker, sometimes called a “Latent”,
“Licensed Psyker”, or “Sanctioned Wyrdling” is put
through most of the same sanctioning tests as a full
Imperial Psyker. However, after sufficient lessons to
master their limited selection of psychic powers are
completed, the training shifts to that appropriate to the
career that has been chosen for them by the authorities
that permitted them to live. Most frequently, they are
trained as Adepts with the intention of becoming servants
to an administrative official. But it is not unheard of for
them to receive more martial training so they can serve as
bodyguards or more predictable psychic liaisons to a
commander then a pure psychic would be. Others are
trained in assassination, their unique talents creating a
frightening and yet expendable Imperial weapon without
the years of training that might otherwise be required.
Origional document available at: http://home.earthlink.net/~serpine/DarkHeresy.htm
On rare occasions, a particular strong willed Latent may
even be selected to serve the inquisition. Typically bound
to a choir of other latents, merging their powers to
improve effectiveness but spread the risk a single
powerful psyker would generate, they serve many roles
including detection and suppression of other psychic
enemies. After proving themselves, a handful of these
may be find themselves tasked with direct service to an
inquisitor. Some lucky souls among those, after decades
of proving their loyalty to the Imperium and their master,
even find themselves promoted to Interrogator or beyond,
casting at last aside the shackles of their deviancy.
For this reason Latent Psykers, unlike other Imperial
Deviants, can cling to the hope of absolution and even
respect at the end of their service and sometimes even
during it. They are the only type that is recruited with
regularity by puritan inquisitors, and the number of
inquisitors of both factions that formerly were considered
latents would terrify the average Imperial citizen if it
became public knowledge. For their part, such deviants
are particular scrupulous in their behavior and work ever
to improve their self-control: The ultimate reward can
only be gained by perfect service, after all.
Latent Psyker Traits
An Imperial Latent Psyker is distinguished by three
particular traits, beyond those of other Imperial Deviants.
First, they possess the Psy Rating 1 talent (and its
standard allotment of free Minor Psychic Powers), even
though they are not an Imperial Psyker. Second, they
must roll on the Sanctioning Side Effects (I-5) table, or an
equivalent replacement such as table UA-6 of the
Unearthed Apocrypha Character Generation supplement.
Third, they get the Invocation Skill, and may advance it
(costing 200xp each time) to +10 at rank 4 (2000+ xp)
and +20 at rank 6 (6000+ xp).
It should be noted that increases in the Psy Rating of a
Latent Psyker, and acquisitions of new Psychic Powers, is
restricted purely to Elite Advances.
Optional Rule: A GM may permit a Latent Psyker who is
also an Approved Abhuman or Tolerated Mutant,
combining the traits of both. Such characters must spend
all 400xp to meet the requirements of the Opportunity
Equals Purity rule, and tend to lead extremely short but
very colorful lives.
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