Welcome to Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum! Log in and join the community.

Difference between revisions of "Sensei"

From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
Jump to: navigation, search
m (Sensei as the Champions of the Star Child)
m (Description: it is the main function of the already used adnotation)
 
(69 intermediate revisions by 7 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
 
{{ImperiumPortal}}
 
{{ImperiumPortal}}
{{cite}}
+
[[Image:Sensei.JPG|thumb|right|200px|Sensei with Shotgun{{Fn|2}}]]
The '''Sensei''' are the sons or descendants of the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]]. Their exact nature is contradictory, but what is clear is that they are immortal - though they can be killed, they do not age.
+
The '''Sensei''' are the natural descendants of the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]] who wander the galaxy as heroes and champions. Springing out of the Emperor's union with various mortal women throughout history, they are bestowed with the gift of immortality and various powers, both commonplace and unique.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2}} Inherently resistant to [[Chaos]], they often fill the role of the [[Star Child]]'s champions, analogical to the champions of the [[Chaos Gods]].{{Fn|2}}
  
== History ==
+
However, the [[Inquisition]] for the same reason, declares them all heretics, as their unique psychic powers and inherent rebellious drive to serve order and good often cause them to oppose the [[Imperium of Mankind|Imperial repression]].{{Fn|2}}
To the [[Inquisition]], particularly the [[Ordo Malleus]], the Sensei are one of the great threats to the [[Imperium]], the Inquisition seeing the Sensei as dangerous mutants and heretics.
 
  
The Inquisition has discovered that the extremely rare negative psychic energy used in [[psyk-out]] and [[psycannon]] weaponry can be produced from rendered-down Sensei - the only other source in the galaxy is from the byproducts of the Emperor's metabolism.
+
== Description ==
 +
Long before the birth of the [[Imperium]], the Emperor lived in hiding amongst ordinary men, and during this time he fathered many families. Not all members of the lineages fathered by the Emperor produce an individual known as Sensei, but the offspring of one or any of his kin, have this potential hidden in their genes.{{Fn|2}}
  
The Sensei have inherited great power from the Emperor. They also possess unique abilities of their own. Because they harbour none of the emotions or concepts embodied by the Chaos Powers, they are largely invisible to them, and can draw on the energies of the [[Warp]] to use their psychic powers without attracting [[daemon]]s or other malicious forces of the Warp. Due to their harmonious relationship with the Warp, the Sensei are invisible to psychic senses, even to those of the Emperor.
+
The most obvious trait of the Sensei is their immortality, which, unless they are fell by a sudden death, makes their appearance ageless, and non-lethal wounds mend inhumanly fast. Their genetic structure, so close to that of the template of the Emperor's, allows them to be unimpeded by [[Chaos|Chaotic influence]],{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2}} connected to their harmonious state of mind that knows no hate, bitterness, nor irrational anger, radiating instead natural confidence. In accordance with this stoic attitude, their psychic abilities, like those of the Emperor's, can be used without any danger from [[daemon]]s or other malicious influences, freely drawing upon the powers of the [[warp]]. In fact, said Chaos powers are utterly invisible to them due to the Sensei's lack of those emotions the Gods of Chaos prey upon. It is their status as powerful [[psyker]]s unhindered by the everpresent danger of Chaos that makes the Sensei a threat and a target to the forces of the Inquisition{{Fn|2}}
 +
*{{Fn|Conflicting sources}} In [[Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness]]. The Sensei are only The Emperor's sons, directly descended from him, and infertile. While the Emperor was a powerful [[psyker]], the Sensei are psychic [[blanks]] and cannot be seen by other psykers.
  
The Sensei are all naturally connected to the Star Child, in a similar way the Champions of Chaos are bonded to their Chaos Patron gods; ultimately Sensei can achieve ''apotheosis'', disappearing into the warp and merging with the Star Child.
+
The Sensei have adapted to living in hiding within the ranks of humanity, ignorant of their true heritage. Over the millennia, they have been vilified as 'witches' and 'devils' solely for their immortality.{{Fn|1a}} The Sensei often take the mantle of heroes who wander the galaxy fighting both Chaos and (often Imperial) oppression, sometimes in the company of bands of other equally rebellious individuals (including xenos and abhumans.){{Fn|2}}
  
Sensei wander throughout the galaxy. In contrast to the servants of the Emperor, Sensei are natural rebels. As well as being enemies of [[Chaos]], Sensei are enemies of oppression. They and their followers operate as outlaw bands, and appear across the Imperium to fight against repression and injustice. In this way, they often come into conflict with the Imperium.
+
In the [[Age of the Imperium]], few others than the Sensei themselves and the [[Illuminati]] are aware of their existence, other than as folk tales of the ''Captain Eternal'' or the ''[[Wandering Inquisitor]]''.{{Fn|1a}} Even the Sensei are at first unaware of their own nature, finding it simply a fact of their lives that they differ from others, and must hide those differences from other humans. Through their travels, they might unravel the mystery of their existence, often at a result of meeting another, more experienced member of their kind. Throughout their quest for righteousness, they might discover it themselves, found by the [[Star Child|spirit of the Emperor]] in the warp and enlightened towards their destiny as his scions.{{Fn|2}} Some Sensei may flee to join the forces of Chaos and become <b>Grey Sensei</b>, becoming amongst the cruellest of dark servants. Their nature might also be revealed to them by less benevolent individuals, who might obfuscate some parts of the truth, like the [[Illuminati]], an organisation shadily hiding within the at large incognizant of them, Inquisition.{{Fn|1a}}
  
The Imperium regards the Sensei as dangerous bandits and nihilists who, if not actually in league with Chaos, are weakening the Imperium's defence against Chaos. Because of their powers and militantly anti-authority natures, they are hunted down and killed by Imperial forces, which in turn forces the Sensei to operate as outlaws.
+
== Powers and Abilities ==
 +
Sensei are imbued with the powers of immortality and{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2}}, unimpeded by Chaos, psychic might. They may tap into the Immaterium to channel energy for combat, sense daemons or disturbances in the warp{{Fn|2}}, and have the power to mask their presence from other psykers{{Fn|1a}}. They are also born with <b>the Mark of the Star Child</b>, which, even if they are unaware of its origin, bestows upon them various powers from the [[Star Child]], the immortal soul of the Emperor. The mark, acting in an opposing manner to the [[Mark of Chaos]], grants the Sensei powers based upon their favour with the Star Child, in the same way a [[Champion of Chaos]] may be rewarded by a Chaos God. Those powers are in defiance to powers of Chaos, reflect the virtues of human existence, and at times come to counteract the will of Chaos. Those virtues are known to extend an aura of protection against chaos, that grows in power with each favour gained in the name of the Star Child, shielding those close to the Sensei.{{Fn|2}}
  
===The Sensei and the Illuminati===
+
{|align=center cellpadding="5" cellspacing="1" border="1" width=650px style="background:transparent;border-collapse:collapse;margin:auto;"
The earliest Sensei background describes them as the literal sons of the Emperor fathered over his vast lifetime. The Sensei are also a vital part of the [[Illuminati]]'s plan to save humanity through the rejuvenation of the Emperor. The Illuminati gather the Sensei and protect them from the Inquisition, preparing them for "the final war with Chaos". In truth however the Illuminati intend to sacrifice to the Emperor his sons, in the same way many millions of psykers have already been sacrificed to feed the Emperor. All of the remaining Sensei are to be offered to the Emperor as a sacrifice at the moment his will finally breaks. The Emperor will be rejuvenated, and reborn as the Sensei-Emperor to again lead his race in person.
+
|-style="color:#dddddd;background-color: #555555;"
 +
! colspan=3 |'''Boons of the Mark of the Star Child'''{{Fn|2}}
 +
|- style="color:#dddddd;background-color: #7b7b7b;"
 +
! width="15%" | Name
 +
! colspan="2" | Effects
 +
|-
 +
! Protector
 +
|The Sensei acts as a focus for the protective powers of the Star Child - powers which naturally help preserve his followers. Any ally of his may retake any failed saving throw once.
 +
|-
 +
! Daemon Slayer
 +
|The Star Child passes a little of its own powers into the Sensei, allowing him to channel more warp energy against daemonic foes in hand-to-hand combat.
 +
|-
 +
! Sword Master
 +
|The Sensei's martial powers are enhanced.
 +
|-
 +
! Marksman
 +
|The Sensei has mastered the use of shooting weapons. He is uncannily accurate with all such weapons, including thrown weapons such as grenades. This may mean a Sensei can fire over a much longer range than another character using the same weapon, as is only appropriate for a hero with such a steady hand and super-humanly keen eye.
 +
|-
 +
! Endurance
 +
|The Sensei becomes able to endure incredible amounts of damage by a combination of luck, sheer stubbornness, and physical power. Although horribly wounded, he will fight on, championing his cause with his final breath if need be!
 +
|-
 +
! Athletic
 +
|As the Sensei's mind falls increasingly in tune with that of the Star Child, so his body becomes increasingly perfect This allows him to move with the prowess of an athlete, to leap over vast distances, to run faster than one would think possible, and lift incredible heavy objects with the astonishing ease.
 +
|-
 +
! Rescuer
 +
|If any ally of the Sensei falls a casualty, the Sensei attempts to save his comrade. He does this immediately, without the implications of time. He cannot choose to not make this attempt - his protective nature makes it impossible for him to ignore the plight of one of his comrades.
 +
|-
 +
! Never Kills
 +
|The Sensei can never intentionally take a life. However, because casualties are always regarded as not necessarily dead, the Sensei fights and shoots exactly as normal. Although the Sensei never kills, this does not apply to creatures which are not actually alive - for example, undead creatures or daemons. These creatures can be slaughtered without any moral qualms, as they are after all not real living creatures.
 +
|-
 +
! Heroic Name
 +
|The Sensei assumes a heroic alter ego by which he is known and feared by his enemies and praised by his supporters.
 +
|-
 +
! Redeemer
 +
|The Sensei's example of heroic bravery and idealism is admired even by his foes. If the Sensei slays an enemy of hero status, including any Champion of Chaos, then the Sensei can choose to spare him. The enemy is so awestruck by this display of mercy that he is tempted to renounce his former allegiance and become a follower of the Sensei. In the rare event of a Champion of Chaos renouncing his Patron, the power of the Star Child immediately removes any disfiguring Chaos attribute. Any other rewards which are not physically disfiguring may be retained or removed at the Sensei's discretion. Redeemed are individuals who have seen the light of the Star Child and are now dedicated to the destruction of their former masters.
 +
|-
 +
! Apotheosis
 +
|The Star Child recognises the deeds of the Sensei and is drawn to examine them more closely.
 +
|}
 +
===Apotheosis===
 +
In time, when the Sensei acquire enough favour with the Star Child, the Emperor's soul draws near his descendant. The Sensei at this moment disappear from the Materium and stands before his patron. If the Sensei is found wanting, they are merely awestruck and slightly rewarded alongside the gain of the full insight into their nature and the connection with the Emperor, were they not aware of it already.{{Fn|2}}
  
A few of the Sensei are said to turn to Chaos, becoming the ''Grey Sensei''.
+
If the Sensei is ready, the Star Child allows them to join him in his spiritual state, becoming a part of their shared essence. At this point the Sensei becomes what is called a <b>Sensei Master</b> and at the will of the Star Child or themselves is allowed to return to the material realm to act as the hand of the Emperor, or as a self-righteous guardian of the innocent, drawn in bouts of emotional attachments especially towards their former mortal comrades in need. In those apparitions, Sensei Masters rarely appear divine, sometimes even with different physicality than what they were known for in their mortal lives.{{Fn|2}}
 +
*{{Fn|Conflicting sources}} In [[Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness]] due to their nature as blanks, both the Emperor himself is unaware of the Sensei existence, and the Sensei are unable to achieve a connection to him.
  
===Sensei as the Champions of the Star Child===
+
== Adventurer Bands ==
''Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned'' describes the Sensei as the counterparts to the [[Champion of Chaos|Champions of Chaos]]. In the Sensei's case their patron god is the nascent [[Star Child]]. The book as well had Table Top for the Sensei as champions of the Star Child. {{Fn|1}}{{Fn|2}}
+
[[Image:Realm of Chaos - the Lost and the Damned - Sensei Adventurer Band.jpg|thumb|right|200px|An example of an Adventurer Band with the Sensei in its midst{{Fn|2}}]]
 +
As the Sensei are considered as a fine example of banditry within the bounds of the Imperium, be it due to their rebellious nature, anti-imperial "nihilistic" philosophy or just due to being unbound psykers, who even if not in league with Chaos, are undermining the humanity's defences against the threats it has to face. Over the galaxy wide, forces of the Inquisition hunt those threats to the status quo, and so the most of the Sensei are forced to operate as outlaws.{{Fn|2}}
  
== Previous Edition ==
+
Their inherent nature as fighters against oppression and injustice only strengthens their resolve, and so they fight inspiring others to join them and become what is known as Adventurer Bands, consisting of people, be it human, [[Abhumans|abhuman]], or [[xenos]], who shows themselves willing to stand against the crimes both chaotic and imperial. While the Sensei are not enemies of the Imperium in and of itself, they are enemies of oppression, often giving them popular support. These Adventurer Bands may hide in underground caverns, deep within cities, or lead freedom fighters from the forests and mountains. Others work as pirates, robbing vessels as champions of the poor against the rich.{{Fn|2}}
{{PreviousEdition}}
 
The Sensei background was introduced in the Realm of Chaos books, along with the Star Child.
 
  
==Related articles==
+
Adventurer Bands often mirror the Rogue Trader's crew, although working outside the imperial law. Besides the Sensei those Bands may consist of any number of rebel human leaders, rebel psykers, abhumans such as [[Squat]] rebel leaders, [[Ogryns]] born outside the imperial indoctrination, rogue [[Navigators]], and even some [[Eldar]] who while never clarify their intentions to walk outside the safety of their [[Craftworld]]s, nonetheless see Sensei as worthwhile ally. The Sensei generally possesses strong emotional attachments to their comrades, and will return to assist them even after their apotheosis.{{Fn|2}}
*[[Illuminati]]
+
 
*[[Star Child]]
+
{{GW-Italy}}
 +
Besides their Adventurer Bands, the Sensei may ally with other factions as part of their greater effort against the forces of Chaos. These include the Eldar, and especially the [[Harlequins]], who wish to closely observe the cause of the [[Star Child]]. They may be joined by defectors from the [[Tau Empire]] who have abandoned the cause of the [[Greater Good]] and view the Sensei and so-called <b>Ronin</b> as the only true hope for a radiant future. Allies normally siding with the Imperium may include the ranks of the [[Adeptus Astartes]], [[Sisters of Battle]], and the [[Imperial Guard]].{{Fn|5}}
 +
 
 +
== The Inquisition's interest ==
 +
The Sensei are regarded as dangerous [[Mutant]]s by the [[Inquisition]], and assumed to be in league with the forces of [[Chaos]].{{Fn|1a}} Even if not in league with the forces of Chaos, the Inquisition consider the Sensei and their followers as dangerous bandits, nihilists, and [[Psykers|psykers]] who are weakening the bulwark the [[Imperium]] has set against the forces of Chaos. Thus the Sensei and their Adventurer Bands always run the risk of engaging the Inquisition and Imperial forces.{{Fn|2}} Considered an immense threat to the imperial order by the [[Ordo Malleus]], counting the Sensei warbands amongst its chief targets.{{Fn|1c}}
 +
 
 +
In 3928997.[[M41]], the [[Inquisition]] encountered a group of self-proclaimed Sensei on the world of [[Levilnor IV]], leading a cult known as the ''[[Temple of the Star Child]]'' (also known for short as the ''Star Cult''). The temple worshipped the Emperor in the form of the [[Star Child]]. While the investigating [[Inquisitor]] [[Fortez]] considered the possibility that they may in fact have been the children of the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]], he rejected the notion due to their association with rebel humans, [[Abhumans|abhumans]] and [[Eldar]].{{Fn|3}}
 +
 
 +
During the [[Inquisition War]], the '''Dark Master''' of the [[Ordo Malleus]] has established the [[Eternity Project]], whose goal is to hunt down the ''immortal mutants''.{{Fn|6b}}
 +
 
 +
The Sensei of the Temple followed the belief of achieving Apotheosis and be granted eternal life and everlasting power by the [[Star Child]]. This has led the [[Inquisition]] to believe that the cult is similar to the [[Tzeentch|Tzeentchian]] [[Thrandos cult]], and that the ''Great Sorcerer'' was perhaps masquerading as the Star Child. The cult on [[Levilnor IV]] was exterminated by the [[Salamanders]] [[Space Marine]] [[Chapter]], but there remain other Sensei which did not travel to Levilnor IV.{{Fn|3}}
 +
 
 +
Inquisitor [[Jaq Draco]] of the [[Ordo Malleus]] had heard the tales of the [[Emperor of Mankind|Emperor]]'s immortal, true children as he was being pulled into an [[Illuminati]] plot.{{Fn|6a}}. Ultimately however, he remained unsure if the Emperor's true children truly exist or not.{{Fn|4b}}
 +
 
 +
===Plans of Illuminati===
 +
[[Image:Realm of Chaos - Slaves to Darkness - Sensei & Chaos.jpg|thumb|right|200px||A pair of Brotherhood Sensei fighting the forces of Chaos{{Fn|1a}}]]
 +
The Illuminati's goal is to renew the fading body of the Emperor before the Star Child ventures too far from its physical body. When his soul will finally relinquish all tethers to his corpse he will be reborn, and with this the humanity will be plunged into the hands of Chaos, before he returns in different form. They stand then a hidden vigil over the Emperor's body, ready to stop this from happening if the Emperor's will finally will fade.{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|2}}
 +
 
 +
For this end, they gather all the newly found Sensei, before they can be guided by their older cousins, convincing them to join the Illuminati under a pretence of training them to participate in the final battle against [[Chaos]], inducted into the so-called <b>Brotherhood</b>, with the Illuminati even helping to establish a Long Watch of Sensei Knights who will participate in this false last battle against Chaos. Illuminati however believe that the life-force of Sensei is what could return the Emperor's body to its prime, and they plan to sacrifice them at the pivotal moment in which the Emperor is to fall.{{Fn|1a}} Just as he was born in ages long past from the souls of ancient shamans, the New Man{{Fn|2}} will emerge anew as a <b>Sensei-Emperor</b> to lead mankind. Their plans are kept secret even from the Emperor, as the Illuminati believe that the Emperor would be mortified by the concept, instead opting for the abandonment of humanity if he ever was made aware of their scheme.{{Fn|1a}}
 +
 
 +
[[Zephro Carnelian]], a member of the Illuminati, has speculated that as divisions exist within the Illuminati, between the mainline members and the [[Ordo Hydra]], there may be another sect of the Illuminati attempting to establish a true Long Watch.{{Fn|4a}}
 +
 
 +
==Named Sensei==
 +
*[[Wandering Inquisitor]]{{Fn|1a}}{{Fn|6b}}
 +
*Captain Eternal{{Fn|1a}}
 +
*[[Lucifer Princip]]{{Fn|4}}
 +
 
 +
==Trivia==
 +
* As the [[Psyk-out]] weaponry is impregnated with negative psychic energy, it is only able to be collected either from the by-products of the Emperor's metabolism or rendered down from captured Sensei.{{Fn|1d}}
 +
==={{Endn|Conflicting sources}}===
 +
In the [[Realm of Chaos]] book series, the first tome, "Slaves to Darkness", defines Sensei as [[blank]]s, an inversion of their father's psychic powers, making them invisible to the Emperor's eyes. They are also said to be infertile, and being directly the sons of the Emperor.{{Fn|1a}} It stands in starks contradiction to the extended description of Sensei in the second tome, "The Lost and the Damned", in which they are powerful psykers, directly connected to the Emperor's spirit, and spawning in lineages descending from the Emperor.{{Fn|2}} To add to the confusion, "Slaves to Darkness" directs for specifics of Sensei psychic powers, that the first book denied the existence of, contained within the second "The Lost and the Damned". Also directing there for specifics about Grey Sensei rules, which are utterly unmentioned in the second book.{{Fn|1b}} Of note is however that the connection with the Illuminati is mentioned only in the first tome, and as such it is written having in mind only the qualities of Sensei from that book.{{Fn|1a}}
 +
 
 +
Furthermore, [[Ian Watson]]'s [[Inquisition War]] trilogy adheres to the original, ''Slaves to Darkness'' version of the Sensei.
 +
 
 +
==Images==
 +
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
 +
Realm of Chaos - Slaves to Darkness - a Brotherhood Sensei.jpg|A Brotherhood Sensei{{Fn|1a}}
 +
Realm of Chaos - the Lost and the Damned - Sensei and an ally.jpg|Sensei and a masked ally{{Fn|2}}
 +
</gallery>
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness]], pg. 217
+
*1: [[Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness]]
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned]], pg. 185-191
+
**{{Endn|1a}}: pg. 217
===Uncited===
+
**{{Endn|1b}}: pg. 228-229
{{Uncited}}
+
**{{Endn|1c}}: pg. 246
*[[Inquisition War Trilogy]] by [[Ian Watson]]
+
**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 250
*[[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook]], pg. 273
+
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Realm of Chaos: The Lost and the Damned]], pgs. 184–191
 +
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 3rd Edition Rulebook]], pg. 273
 +
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Inquisition War Trilogy]] - [[Chaos Child (Novel)|Chaos Child]]
 +
**{{Endn|4a}}: Chapter 1
 +
**{{Endn|4b}}: Chapter 6
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20130708001804/http://www.games-workshop.com/MEDIA_CustomProductCatalog/m3310104a_Attacco_Imperium GW Italy 6th Edition Apocalypse Campaign - Attacco All'Imperium Campaign (Archive)]
 +
*{{Endn|6}}: [[Inquisition War Trilogy]] - [[Harlequin (Novel)|Harlequin]]
 +
**{{Endn|6a}}: Chapter 7
 +
**{{Endn|6b}}: Chapter 1
  
 
[[Category:Imperium]]
 
[[Category:Imperium]]
 
[[Category:Species and Factions]]
 
[[Category:Species and Factions]]
 
+
[[Category:Psykers]]
 +
[[Category:Abhumans and Mutants]]
 
[[de:Sensei]]
 
[[de:Sensei]]

Latest revision as of 16:06, 9 March 2024

Sensei with Shotgun[2]

The Sensei are the natural descendants of the Emperor who wander the galaxy as heroes and champions. Springing out of the Emperor's union with various mortal women throughout history, they are bestowed with the gift of immortality and various powers, both commonplace and unique.[1a][2] Inherently resistant to Chaos, they often fill the role of the Star Child's champions, analogical to the champions of the Chaos Gods.[2]

However, the Inquisition for the same reason, declares them all heretics, as their unique psychic powers and inherent rebellious drive to serve order and good often cause them to oppose the Imperial repression.[2]

Description

Long before the birth of the Imperium, the Emperor lived in hiding amongst ordinary men, and during this time he fathered many families. Not all members of the lineages fathered by the Emperor produce an individual known as Sensei, but the offspring of one or any of his kin, have this potential hidden in their genes.[2]

The most obvious trait of the Sensei is their immortality, which, unless they are fell by a sudden death, makes their appearance ageless, and non-lethal wounds mend inhumanly fast. Their genetic structure, so close to that of the template of the Emperor's, allows them to be unimpeded by Chaotic influence,[1a][2] connected to their harmonious state of mind that knows no hate, bitterness, nor irrational anger, radiating instead natural confidence. In accordance with this stoic attitude, their psychic abilities, like those of the Emperor's, can be used without any danger from daemons or other malicious influences, freely drawing upon the powers of the warp. In fact, said Chaos powers are utterly invisible to them due to the Sensei's lack of those emotions the Gods of Chaos prey upon. It is their status as powerful psykers unhindered by the everpresent danger of Chaos that makes the Sensei a threat and a target to the forces of the Inquisition[2]

The Sensei have adapted to living in hiding within the ranks of humanity, ignorant of their true heritage. Over the millennia, they have been vilified as 'witches' and 'devils' solely for their immortality.[1a] The Sensei often take the mantle of heroes who wander the galaxy fighting both Chaos and (often Imperial) oppression, sometimes in the company of bands of other equally rebellious individuals (including xenos and abhumans.)[2]

In the Age of the Imperium, few others than the Sensei themselves and the Illuminati are aware of their existence, other than as folk tales of the Captain Eternal or the Wandering Inquisitor.[1a] Even the Sensei are at first unaware of their own nature, finding it simply a fact of their lives that they differ from others, and must hide those differences from other humans. Through their travels, they might unravel the mystery of their existence, often at a result of meeting another, more experienced member of their kind. Throughout their quest for righteousness, they might discover it themselves, found by the spirit of the Emperor in the warp and enlightened towards their destiny as his scions.[2] Some Sensei may flee to join the forces of Chaos and become Grey Sensei, becoming amongst the cruellest of dark servants. Their nature might also be revealed to them by less benevolent individuals, who might obfuscate some parts of the truth, like the Illuminati, an organisation shadily hiding within the at large incognizant of them, Inquisition.[1a]

Powers and Abilities

Sensei are imbued with the powers of immortality and[1a][2], unimpeded by Chaos, psychic might. They may tap into the Immaterium to channel energy for combat, sense daemons or disturbances in the warp[2], and have the power to mask their presence from other psykers[1a]. They are also born with the Mark of the Star Child, which, even if they are unaware of its origin, bestows upon them various powers from the Star Child, the immortal soul of the Emperor. The mark, acting in an opposing manner to the Mark of Chaos, grants the Sensei powers based upon their favour with the Star Child, in the same way a Champion of Chaos may be rewarded by a Chaos God. Those powers are in defiance to powers of Chaos, reflect the virtues of human existence, and at times come to counteract the will of Chaos. Those virtues are known to extend an aura of protection against chaos, that grows in power with each favour gained in the name of the Star Child, shielding those close to the Sensei.[2]

Boons of the Mark of the Star Child[2]
Name Effects
Protector The Sensei acts as a focus for the protective powers of the Star Child - powers which naturally help preserve his followers. Any ally of his may retake any failed saving throw once.
Daemon Slayer The Star Child passes a little of its own powers into the Sensei, allowing him to channel more warp energy against daemonic foes in hand-to-hand combat.
Sword Master The Sensei's martial powers are enhanced.
Marksman The Sensei has mastered the use of shooting weapons. He is uncannily accurate with all such weapons, including thrown weapons such as grenades. This may mean a Sensei can fire over a much longer range than another character using the same weapon, as is only appropriate for a hero with such a steady hand and super-humanly keen eye.
Endurance The Sensei becomes able to endure incredible amounts of damage by a combination of luck, sheer stubbornness, and physical power. Although horribly wounded, he will fight on, championing his cause with his final breath if need be!
Athletic As the Sensei's mind falls increasingly in tune with that of the Star Child, so his body becomes increasingly perfect This allows him to move with the prowess of an athlete, to leap over vast distances, to run faster than one would think possible, and lift incredible heavy objects with the astonishing ease.
Rescuer If any ally of the Sensei falls a casualty, the Sensei attempts to save his comrade. He does this immediately, without the implications of time. He cannot choose to not make this attempt - his protective nature makes it impossible for him to ignore the plight of one of his comrades.
Never Kills The Sensei can never intentionally take a life. However, because casualties are always regarded as not necessarily dead, the Sensei fights and shoots exactly as normal. Although the Sensei never kills, this does not apply to creatures which are not actually alive - for example, undead creatures or daemons. These creatures can be slaughtered without any moral qualms, as they are after all not real living creatures.
Heroic Name The Sensei assumes a heroic alter ego by which he is known and feared by his enemies and praised by his supporters.
Redeemer The Sensei's example of heroic bravery and idealism is admired even by his foes. If the Sensei slays an enemy of hero status, including any Champion of Chaos, then the Sensei can choose to spare him. The enemy is so awestruck by this display of mercy that he is tempted to renounce his former allegiance and become a follower of the Sensei. In the rare event of a Champion of Chaos renouncing his Patron, the power of the Star Child immediately removes any disfiguring Chaos attribute. Any other rewards which are not physically disfiguring may be retained or removed at the Sensei's discretion. Redeemed are individuals who have seen the light of the Star Child and are now dedicated to the destruction of their former masters.
Apotheosis The Star Child recognises the deeds of the Sensei and is drawn to examine them more closely.

Apotheosis

In time, when the Sensei acquire enough favour with the Star Child, the Emperor's soul draws near his descendant. The Sensei at this moment disappear from the Materium and stands before his patron. If the Sensei is found wanting, they are merely awestruck and slightly rewarded alongside the gain of the full insight into their nature and the connection with the Emperor, were they not aware of it already.[2]

If the Sensei is ready, the Star Child allows them to join him in his spiritual state, becoming a part of their shared essence. At this point the Sensei becomes what is called a Sensei Master and at the will of the Star Child or themselves is allowed to return to the material realm to act as the hand of the Emperor, or as a self-righteous guardian of the innocent, drawn in bouts of emotional attachments especially towards their former mortal comrades in need. In those apparitions, Sensei Masters rarely appear divine, sometimes even with different physicality than what they were known for in their mortal lives.[2]

Adventurer Bands

An example of an Adventurer Band with the Sensei in its midst[2]

As the Sensei are considered as a fine example of banditry within the bounds of the Imperium, be it due to their rebellious nature, anti-imperial "nihilistic" philosophy or just due to being unbound psykers, who even if not in league with Chaos, are undermining the humanity's defences against the threats it has to face. Over the galaxy wide, forces of the Inquisition hunt those threats to the status quo, and so the most of the Sensei are forced to operate as outlaws.[2]

Their inherent nature as fighters against oppression and injustice only strengthens their resolve, and so they fight inspiring others to join them and become what is known as Adventurer Bands, consisting of people, be it human, abhuman, or xenos, who shows themselves willing to stand against the crimes both chaotic and imperial. While the Sensei are not enemies of the Imperium in and of itself, they are enemies of oppression, often giving them popular support. These Adventurer Bands may hide in underground caverns, deep within cities, or lead freedom fighters from the forests and mountains. Others work as pirates, robbing vessels as champions of the poor against the rich.[2]

Adventurer Bands often mirror the Rogue Trader's crew, although working outside the imperial law. Besides the Sensei those Bands may consist of any number of rebel human leaders, rebel psykers, abhumans such as Squat rebel leaders, Ogryns born outside the imperial indoctrination, rogue Navigators, and even some Eldar who while never clarify their intentions to walk outside the safety of their Craftworlds, nonetheless see Sensei as worthwhile ally. The Sensei generally possesses strong emotional attachments to their comrades, and will return to assist them even after their apotheosis.[2]


150px-Flag of Italy.svg.png The following text is based on information that has been created and published by Games Workshop Italy on its own. It therefore may be in contradiction to overall official corporate Games Workshop company line and/ or supranationally established background information.

Besides their Adventurer Bands, the Sensei may ally with other factions as part of their greater effort against the forces of Chaos. These include the Eldar, and especially the Harlequins, who wish to closely observe the cause of the Star Child. They may be joined by defectors from the Tau Empire who have abandoned the cause of the Greater Good and view the Sensei and so-called Ronin as the only true hope for a radiant future. Allies normally siding with the Imperium may include the ranks of the Adeptus Astartes, Sisters of Battle, and the Imperial Guard.[5]

The Inquisition's interest

The Sensei are regarded as dangerous Mutants by the Inquisition, and assumed to be in league with the forces of Chaos.[1a] Even if not in league with the forces of Chaos, the Inquisition consider the Sensei and their followers as dangerous bandits, nihilists, and psykers who are weakening the bulwark the Imperium has set against the forces of Chaos. Thus the Sensei and their Adventurer Bands always run the risk of engaging the Inquisition and Imperial forces.[2] Considered an immense threat to the imperial order by the Ordo Malleus, counting the Sensei warbands amongst its chief targets.[1c]

In 3928997.M41, the Inquisition encountered a group of self-proclaimed Sensei on the world of Levilnor IV, leading a cult known as the Temple of the Star Child (also known for short as the Star Cult). The temple worshipped the Emperor in the form of the Star Child. While the investigating Inquisitor Fortez considered the possibility that they may in fact have been the children of the Emperor, he rejected the notion due to their association with rebel humans, abhumans and Eldar.[3]

During the Inquisition War, the Dark Master of the Ordo Malleus has established the Eternity Project, whose goal is to hunt down the immortal mutants.[6b]

The Sensei of the Temple followed the belief of achieving Apotheosis and be granted eternal life and everlasting power by the Star Child. This has led the Inquisition to believe that the cult is similar to the Tzeentchian Thrandos cult, and that the Great Sorcerer was perhaps masquerading as the Star Child. The cult on Levilnor IV was exterminated by the Salamanders Space Marine Chapter, but there remain other Sensei which did not travel to Levilnor IV.[3]

Inquisitor Jaq Draco of the Ordo Malleus had heard the tales of the Emperor's immortal, true children as he was being pulled into an Illuminati plot.[6a]. Ultimately however, he remained unsure if the Emperor's true children truly exist or not.[4b]

Plans of Illuminati

A pair of Brotherhood Sensei fighting the forces of Chaos[1a]

The Illuminati's goal is to renew the fading body of the Emperor before the Star Child ventures too far from its physical body. When his soul will finally relinquish all tethers to his corpse he will be reborn, and with this the humanity will be plunged into the hands of Chaos, before he returns in different form. They stand then a hidden vigil over the Emperor's body, ready to stop this from happening if the Emperor's will finally will fade.[1a][2]

For this end, they gather all the newly found Sensei, before they can be guided by their older cousins, convincing them to join the Illuminati under a pretence of training them to participate in the final battle against Chaos, inducted into the so-called Brotherhood, with the Illuminati even helping to establish a Long Watch of Sensei Knights who will participate in this false last battle against Chaos. Illuminati however believe that the life-force of Sensei is what could return the Emperor's body to its prime, and they plan to sacrifice them at the pivotal moment in which the Emperor is to fall.[1a] Just as he was born in ages long past from the souls of ancient shamans, the New Man[2] will emerge anew as a Sensei-Emperor to lead mankind. Their plans are kept secret even from the Emperor, as the Illuminati believe that the Emperor would be mortified by the concept, instead opting for the abandonment of humanity if he ever was made aware of their scheme.[1a]

Zephro Carnelian, a member of the Illuminati, has speculated that as divisions exist within the Illuminati, between the mainline members and the Ordo Hydra, there may be another sect of the Illuminati attempting to establish a true Long Watch.[4a]

Named Sensei

Trivia

  • As the Psyk-out weaponry is impregnated with negative psychic energy, it is only able to be collected either from the by-products of the Emperor's metabolism or rendered down from captured Sensei.[1d]

Conflicting sources

In the Realm of Chaos book series, the first tome, "Slaves to Darkness", defines Sensei as blanks, an inversion of their father's psychic powers, making them invisible to the Emperor's eyes. They are also said to be infertile, and being directly the sons of the Emperor.[1a] It stands in starks contradiction to the extended description of Sensei in the second tome, "The Lost and the Damned", in which they are powerful psykers, directly connected to the Emperor's spirit, and spawning in lineages descending from the Emperor.[2] To add to the confusion, "Slaves to Darkness" directs for specifics of Sensei psychic powers, that the first book denied the existence of, contained within the second "The Lost and the Damned". Also directing there for specifics about Grey Sensei rules, which are utterly unmentioned in the second book.[1b] Of note is however that the connection with the Illuminati is mentioned only in the first tome, and as such it is written having in mind only the qualities of Sensei from that book.[1a]

Furthermore, Ian Watson's Inquisition War trilogy adheres to the original, Slaves to Darkness version of the Sensei.

Images

Sources