Xeno-Arcanist

“Yes, you were right to call me in Lord Marshal. The runic symbols are indeed of xeno-origin, yes the dying ones... but the inscription is not in their usual form... this rune here, for example, does indicate a warning, but not against trespass as one might expect but... oh... I say... ahem, I must consult some texts, erm, off world, very important---if my passage could be arranged quickly... perhaps now?”
— Xeno-Arcanist Xoth Lyncarte, Prior to the loss of expedition: Seedworld-Gamma-9
A specialized scholar in both a privileged and a dangerous
position, a Xeno-Arcanist specializes in obscure lore and
knowledge concerning the works of the alien. There are few
sources for such knowledge, but among them are the Rogue Trader families, the explorators, and the annals of Imperial
History itself, which are rife with stories of war against the
aliens that have surrounded and beset mankind since time
immemorial. The most exhaustive and prohibited records,
however, reside in the archive of the Holy Inquisition itself
and the vaults of Ordo Xenos Calixis, whose remit extends out
to the very edge of explored space. These contain a veritable
treasure trove of terrible knowledge and perilous artefacts
from alien races known, unknown and, in some cases, deemed
to be so dangerous that even use of their names is forbidden
on pain of death. Such a vast wealth of fragmentary, disparate
and often contradictory knowledge requires both skill and
vast insight to organize and apply. For this reason, Xeno-
Arcanists Acolytes are considered a necessary evil by Ordo
Xenos, although, always the subject of the closest scrutiny less
they succumb to the foul temptations of the alien. Some serve
as cloistered academics and savants, while others are utilized
as agents in the field to put their skills to more practical (if
perilous) applications.
Outside the Holy Inquisition, Xeno-Arcanists hold a
far more precarious position and must often conceal their
knowledge to avoid persecution. Many are driven academics
whose lust for knowledge outstrips any misgivings about their
ultimate fate, while other Radicals believe that by studying
the alien they can better learn to defeat it, or even replicate
alien technology and achievements for their own ends. Some,
blinded by the potential discoveries and benefits involved, are
foolish enough to secretly disbelieve the Imperial doctrine
that the xenos and their works are fundamentally evil. Some
even live long enough to regret this misplaced conceit.
The Calixis Sector, bounded as it is by the vast and terrifying
expanse of unknown space, is a place where knowledge of
the alien is in high (if secret) demand, with many mercantile
guilds, explorers and even noble houses, quietly circumventing
the Imperium’s ban on such knowledge either through desire
for profit, power, out of fear or simple, damnable curiosity. To
the chagrin of Ordo Xenos, by simple virtue of the sector’s
location, time and exposure, many private libraries and
collections on Scintilla, Malfi and other established worlds
are known to hold their own xenos artefacts and secret lore---although often useless or forgotten without the knowledge of
how to interpret them. The Hetaireia Lexis’s collections have
been the source of several scandals and even a few armed
raids in the past. Unsurprisingly then, a rogue Xeno-Arcanist
can charge a high price for their expertise if they are willing
to enter such a dangerous game. Many do so with their own
agendas, some not realizing until too late the true nature of
those they find themselves working for.
==Alternate Career Rank==
Becoming a Xeno-Arcanist is more a matter of inclination and
opportunity than anything else. Conceivably any adept in the
service of the Inquisition could be tasked or driven to study
the alien, particularly if, in the past, they have encountered
the xenos themselves or acted as curator for xeno-lore or
artefacts. This is particularly the case of adepts in the service
of Inquisitors from Ordo Xenos, for whom the pursuit of the
alien and the destruction of those who have truck with their
works is their central quest.
Required Career: Adept
Alternate Rank: Rank 4 or higher (2,000 XP)
Other Requirements: Intelligence 40