Astronomican

The Astronomican is the beacon that guides the ships of the Imperium through the tides and edies of warp space. It is the duty of the Adeptus Astronomica to maintain the Astronomican and as such it recruits a portion of the psykers from the Adeptus Astra Telepathica ranks. This means that most of the higher officers are psykers, but most of the slave workers are not.

The Adeptus Astronomica is based on a large complex within the Forbidden Fortress. All visitors must ask permission, even Inquisitors. It is built into a large mountain and is well hidden. The leader of the Fortress is also the Master of the Astronomican. His task is to represent the Astronomican within the High Lords of Terra.

Young psykers are admitted and trained to become Acolytes. Their further training may bring them to the rank of Chosen, while those who fail go on to become instructors or are absorbed on other duties. These chosen go on to enter the Chamber of the Astronomican. Here they become part of the psychic power that guides the Imperium and gradually ages and dies in the knowledge of a well performed life.