Mutant

Mutants are almost invariably seen as "affronts to the Emperor’s vision for Humanity", though their origins can be from many sources. The Enemy Beyond "often" twists and bends the forms of mortals to “bless” them with unnatural flesh. Some mutants are twisted in body and mind through exposure to Warp-stained items "or even from reading forbidden texts". Others might be the product of poisoned environs or random accidents of birth instead. In the 41st Millennium, though, any rational explanations fall to the insanities that permeate these dark ages, and a loyal citizen is unwilling or unable to draw a distinction between these factors. The Imperium believes that mutation cannot be anything but a manifestation that an individual’s soul is also proportionately tainted—"and in most cases, this is correct". Fear and distrust are the norm in most human worlds, and mutants are rarely given a chance to make an accounting of themselves. Because of this, the role of most mutants in the Imperium is that of a scapegoat for ill-fortune or an object for violent and cathartic release at the hands of others.

Many mutants "succumb to their suffering"; some turn to dread endeavours, even seeking the favour of dark powers for revenge against their tormentors. There are, however, mutants whose existence is "beneficial to Mankind". Some serve the Emperor out of a sense of duty that remains true in their hearts despite the maladies that twist their forms. Others accept servitude as a less painful alternative to the miseries of their daily lives. Still others are forced, or at least shepherded, along a path to serve. The most notable, and among the most accepted, of these are Unknown Psykers and Navigators—mutants prized for their abilities to combat Chaos on its own ground or to guide ships through the Warp, respectively.

Most are not as fortunate though. They have no mental gifts to offer, and must provide physical labour in exchange for their forestalled termination. Perhaps their bodies have swelled with muscles expanding to degrees impossible to achieve for even the most physically fit of "untainted people" and making them ideal "beasts of burden". Others may be immune to pain, making them perfect troops to form the beachhead of an assault.

When an Imperial citizen finds themselves in the presence of a mutant, "often the wretch lives only for as long as it takes to draw a weapon and squeeze the trigger". There are some, though, who occasionally find uses for the "tainted". Desperation, unique circumstances, or simply a more Radical approach can stay the hand of an Inquisitor and "grant a mutant a chance to earn a few more moments of life".

A mutant’s deformities "usually" offer them something unique—something that affords them a chance to survive where "humans" might not. They might have skin hard enough to deflect small arms fire, bizarre sensory organs, additional limbs, or even leathery wings that allow them flight. The variety of mutation is endless, and for a mutant who is willing to turn their perceived weaknesses into advantages, life can take an unexpected turn. It is even possible, paradoxically, that they might be "of use" to an Inquisitor.

An Inquisitor can hold up their mutant Acolyte as a symbol of "their power over corruption" in a variety of situations where a "pure" human would not suffice. They can use a mutant to infiltrate Chaos cults and "debased" sects where others would be easily detected, or pose as a captured prisoner to allow a warband a favourable reputation among local Enforcers. Regardless of the specific duties assigned to the mutant, they are a valuable asset for any Inquisitor willing to look beyond the stigma associated with such a deviant and turn their purpose toward "the benefit of the Emperor and the
survival of Mankind".

A player wishing to use the Mutant background should discuss this with the GM to ensure such a character its into the outlook and disposition of the warband’s Inquisitor. A Puritan Inquisitor, for example, might never allow such a thing, while a Radical might not give it a second thought. A Mutant Acolyte might also not it into campaign plots, and the GM could need to revise planned adventures.

As opposed to an Acolyte who gains malignancies and mutations in the course of adventures, a PC with the Mutant background begins play with physical afflictions—many of which could be so overt as to make disguise impossible. They might have had them at birth or from a young age, and as such they would rarely even think to hide their deformities. An Acolyte with this background could possibly feel more in common with other mutants than with the humans in his warband. The other Acolytes might also have strong feelings about mutants, no matter what their Inquisitor might direct, and make such a character unwelcome in the extreme. Players are encouraged to explore the interactions between Acolytes when one or more has this background, so long as the GM is aware and approves of any actions that could impact the ongoing campaign.

[Warr's note: Any play of bigotry or ostracism needs be approached extremely fucking cautiously]