Penumbra

‘It is easier by far to kill a target that doesn't know you're there. Not nearly as fun, though.’

— Throgut Mourn, Grey Blade

Penumbras are those most comfortable in the dark corners of the Imperium. They are assassins, thieves, spies, covert operatives, and sleeper agents. Some are little more than common Infractionists, albeit unusually successful ones, while others are Inquisitorial Acolytes, serving the Emperor’s Inquisition in myriad subtle and unsavoury ways. All excel at evading detection in order to achieve their goals, whether this involves the covert retrieval of heretical tomes, or planting the same among the possessions of a recalcitrant cardinal. They are silent and subtle in their actions, with the very best passing like smoke through the air.

Access is tightly controlled in the Imperium — access to places, people, information, and technology. Sometimes, violating local regulations or even Imperial law is necessary for the sake of a mission, whether that means the Imperium’s better interests or simply the interests of a Patron. Evading protective measures requires a combination of cunning, expertise, and physical aptitude. While some Penumbras prefer to work alone, most appreciate the additional skills and backup that can be gleaned by working with others — even if this sometimes brings unwanted attention.

The most adept Penumbras have diverse skills to employ in a range of situations. Blending into a crowded Hive thoroughfare requires a very different expertise than breaking into a shrine-vault secured with the mysterious blessings of the Adeptus Mechanicus. While Penumbras may specialise in certain methods of troubleshooting, they are always equally ready to surreptitiously gather information, sabotage a facility, or make an enemy disappear.

Powerful individuals across the Askellon Sector rely on subterfuge to advance their agendas, particularly when those do not align with their organisation’s stated goals or with acceptable Imperial practices. A Penumbra’s actions will rarely lead them to glory, but on occasion a poisoned blade or a ruined reputation has averted the need for whole regiments of soldiers to perish in avoidable war. Battle always brings uncertainty and risk, and so even accomplished fighters often look to a Penumbra to find a more subtle path. The nature of a Penumbra’s work is often unpalatable, even by Imperial standards. Their deeds may reflect poorly on a Patron, as necessary as they may be. This can limit the degree of official or public backing a Patron provides. However, wise Patrons appreciate the discretion of a true Penumbra, and provide rewards commensurate with the risks.