Difference between revisions of "The Assignment"

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==Definition==
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{{Quarantine}}
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'''The Assignment''' is the the Imperial scale used with which to measure the psi activity and power levels of [[psykers]]. The range of the scale consists of twenty-four increasing levels, making it simpler to compare the abilities of two different individuals and their possible threat to the [[Imperium]].
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{{ImperiumPortal}}
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The [[Imperium]] measures and records the psionic activity and power level of [[psychic]] individuals through a rating system called '''The Assignment'''{{Fn|1}} or '''Imperial assignment'''.{{Fn|10}} Comprised of a twenty-four point scale, The Assignment simplifies the comparison of psykers to aid Imperial authorities in recognizing possible threats.{{Fn|1}} Classifications are made by the [[Scholastica Psykana]].{{Fn|12b}}
  
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The "average" Human being has a psi activity rating of '''Rho''' or '''Pi''', these ratings indicate that the individual can not consciously or subconsciously draw from -or communicate through- the warp, and is therefore no threat to the security of the Imperium.  
+
==Overview==
 +
Beings which utilize psychic powers, or [[psykers]], exist within many of the races residing within the galaxy. Human psykers, [[eldar]] [[warlock]]s and [[ork]] [[weirdboyz]] all fall into this category.{{Fn|2}} Beings such as [[daemons]] of the warp are made of purely psychic energies.{{Fn|3}} There are species, like the [[tau]], which are devoid of psykers or psychic powers.{{Fn|4}} There are even beings which could be called anti-psykers, human [[blanks]]{{Fn|1}} and [[Necron Pariah|necron pariah]]s.{{Fn|5}} Due to their use in the armies of Man and their relative abundance in the Imperium's enemies, the Imperium has devised a way to classify all psykers it may come across.{{Fn|1}}
 +
The average ''Homo Sapiens Imperial'' is judged to have an assignment rating of '''Rho''' or '''Pi'''. These individuals cannot consciously or subconsciously draw power from the [[Immaterium]] and are not able to become possessed without outside psychic influence. As the vast majority of mankind falls into this assignment level, the common imperial citizen poses little psychic security threat.{{Fn|1}}
  
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Any ratings above '''Pi''' should be investigated by the [[Inquisition]] as harmful psychic events may occur. However, it is more practicable for the inquisition to investigate individuals of '''Iota''' talents or greater.
+
Nevertheless, uncommon individuals are birthed every day with assignment ratings exceeding '''Pi'''. By imperial edict, these men and women are to be discovered and brought to the attention of the [[Inquisition]] to protect against harmful psychic events. With the multitude of threats besieging the Imperium, however, it is only truly practical to investigate those suspected of '''Iota''' level talent or greater.{{Fn|1}}
  
−
==Classifications of Psi Activity (in ascending order)==
+
In the rarest of all cases, the twenty-four point scale of the assignment does not adequately characterize a being of indescribable ability. Such individuals, for all intents and purposes, pass beyond the scale entirely. These subjects are known as belonging to a “plus” scale or a “reversed” scale, since the standard grading's naming convention is reversed.{{Fn|1}} When uncontained, '''plus''' psykers represent an immediate and catastrophic threat to the Imperium. In theory, there is nothing that a trained '''plus''' psyker cannot accomplish through force of will, from snapping a [[Titan]] in half to summoning a legion of [[Daemons|Greater Daemons]]. A rogue '''plus''' psyker represents a great danger, and the [[Ordo Hereticus]] of the [[Inquisition]] considers them among the greatest threats they can face. Their souls are poetically said to burn akin to supernovae within the Empyrean, a beacon for daemons flocking and vying for the right to possess their unguarded minds.{{Fn|6b}}
−
*'''Rho''' and '''Pi'''
 
−
**Standard human psi activity - no manifestations of psychic talent.
 
  
−
*'''Omicron''', '''Xi''', '''Nu''', '''Mu''', '''Lambda''' and '''Kappa'''
+
Although rarely used, precise terminology for a negative psionic carries a "-Minus" at the end; a psionic of negative class '''Omega''' is thus properly called an '''Omega-Minus''' psyker.{{Fn|7}}
−
**Minor levels of psi activity which the individual may not be aware of or have any control over. Often manifesting a greater talent only when the individual is under high levels of stress, or subtly manifesting itself in a manner which can easily be explained away as phenomenons such as "good luck" or a "fluke".
 
  
−
*'''Iota''', '''Theta''' and '''Eta'''
+
The grading of an individual can change over time.{{Fn|11}}{{Fn|13}} It is not uncommon for a psyker to unlock greater levels of power as they continue to practice, grow, and mature.{{Fn|11}}{{Fn|12a}}{{Fn|13}} For example, a '''delta''' level psyker might become a '''gamma''' or even '''beta''' over their career as a [[Sanctioned Psyker]].{{Fn|12a}} This warrants subsequent reclassification to more accurately reflect their burgeoning powers.{{Fn|11}}{{Fn|12a}}
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**Psi activity which can manifest itself with conscious effort. Individuals with a rating of '''Iota''' or above are true [[Psykers]] and are therefore under the jurisdiction of Imperial Law and may be drafted into Imperial institutions such as the [[Adeptus Astra Telepathica]].
 
  
−
*'''Zeta''' and '''Epsilon'''
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==List of psionic levels==
−
**Very high levels of psi activity, manifesting itself as a powerful psychic talent which requires immediate Inquisitorial investigation.
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The below lists denotes the points of the Assignment, with their provided description.{{Fn|1}}
 +
''Numbers in brackets are not associated with the approved terminology, and exists within the table to illustrate a cardinal order of the terms, with 0 denoting the first psionically inert level, negative numbers indicating negative psionic levels, and numbers with plus indicating plus scale levels.''
 +
{| cellpadding="5" cellspacing="1" border="1" width="100%" style="background:transparent;border-collapse:collapse;margin:auto;"
 +
|- style="color:#dddddd;background-color: #555555;"
 +
! colspan="2" scope=colgroup | Ordinals
 +
! scope=col | Description
  
−
*'''Delta''' and '''Gamma'''
+
|-
−
**"Master Level" psykers manifesting prodigious psychic talent who are rare to the point of one-per-billion in humans.
+
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Omega (Ω)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-7)
 +
| Usually referred to as [[Untouchable]]s (also known as '''blanks''' or '''pariahs'''). These individuals are so inert in the Warp as to actually exhibit negative psychic influence upon others.{{Fn|1}} Primarily manifested as a small region of “blankness” surrounding the individual, it is impossible for psychic powers or warp creatures to penetrate this space.{{Fn|8}} Imperial science has shown the dead area surrounding the subject interferes with natural electrical-mental functions. This often results in irrational fear and loathing for the individual from baseline humans.{{Fn|9}} For [[psykers]], however, they are physically and mentally painful to be near.{{Fn|8}} This is the grade of [[Sisters of Silence]],{{Fn|17}} [[Culexus Assassin]]s,{{Fn|18}} '''[[Princeps|Preceptors-Intendant]]''' of the [[Ordo Sinister]]{{Fn|19}}, and [[Solitaire]]s{{CME}}.
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Psi (Ψ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-6)
 +
| rowspan=6 | Psionically-dense individuals who are oblivious to warp fluctuations and psychic probing. The range of this ability varies, with the highest class being just deemed 'blunt' to some psionic effects, the lowest class being extremely resistant to effects of psychic activity, yet still considered ''touchable '' by a measurable extreme degree of psionic power.{{Fn|1}} These grades generally qualify someone to be a crew member of a [[League of Black Ships|Black Ship]].{{Fn|20}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Chi (Χ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-5)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Phi (Φ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-4)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Upsilon (Υ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-3)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Tau (Τ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-2)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Sigma (Σ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (-1)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Rho (Ρ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (0)
 +
| No manifestation of psychic talent (common human being).{{Fn|1}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Pi (Π)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (1)
 +
| Second of the two so-called inert psychic levels.{{Fn|1}} Possesses, however, some degree of psionic power. The manifestations are so insignificant that if they happen to be noticed they are quickly denounced as "good luck" or a pretension to a sixth sense.{{Fn|7}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Omicron (Ο)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (2)
 +
| rowspan=6 | Unconscious and minor level of psionic brain activity, of which the individuals and their surroundings are often unaware unless put to examination. Although these classes are technically by law under the jurisdiction of the [[Inquisition]], it is logistically unfeasible to examine every suspicion of them in the wider galaxy.{{Fn|1}} An example psyker of this grade is [[Mortanna Shroud]], who is a Lambda.{{Fn|16}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Xi (Ξ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (3)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Nu (Ν)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (4)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Mu (Μ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (5)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Lambda (Λ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (6)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Kappa (Κ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (7)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Iota (Ι)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (8)
 +
| rowspan=3 | As the individual is able to control abilities with effort, subjects of '''Iota''' level and higher are true [[psykers]] and upon discovery are usually immediately put under the care of the [[Inquisition]]{{Fn|1}} and the [[League of Black Ships]],{{Fn|6a}} unless they have a legal excuse not to be, such as having already been recruited into a [[Space Marine]] chapter as an [[acolytum (Librarian)|acolytum]].{{Fn|21}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Theta (Θ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (9)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Eta (Η)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (10)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Zeta (Ζ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (11)
 +
| rowspan=2 | Very high level of mental psychic activity.{{Fn|1}} Most Imperial worlds rarely produce more than a few nascent psykers every decade, let alone more than a couple with the raw potential to reach zeta or epsilon class with proper training.{{Fn|23}} An example psyker of this grade is [[Calumny Faal]], who is a Zeta. But their powers are growing through practice, prompting the need for reclassification.{{Fn|11}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Epsilon (Ε)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (12)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Delta (Δ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (13)
 +
| rowspan=4 | Occurring in approximately one-per-billion human births.{{Fn|1}} Example psykers of this grade include [[Gregor Eisenhorn]] and [[Gideon Ravenor]]{{Fn|22}}, both of whom were high Delta or low Gamma (and not necessarily the same grade as each other). [[Agun Soric]] was Beta grade, and [[Esarhaddon]] was an Alpha.
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Gamma (Γ)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (14)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Beta (Β)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (15)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Alpha (Α)
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (16)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Alpha Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (17+)
 +
| First of and numerically almost synonymous with "plus" scale, still occurring the rarest in relation to all previous cases. Their state of mind always comes with a perceivable level of dementation or insanity.{{Fn|1}} Examples of this grade include the [[rogue psykers]] known as the [[Apex Twins]],{{Fn|14}} as well as the [[Burning Princess]].{{Fn|15}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Beta Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (18+)
 +
| Assumed to be the highest a human brain can withstand and be in possession of a fading semblance of sanity.{{Fn|1}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Gamma Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (19+)
 +
| The highest registered psionic human level to date. It is more widely achievable by some unspecified alien species and daemons, but not even they are known to exceed this rank.{{Fn|1}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Delta Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (20+)
 +
| rowspan=2 | Never measured classifications, remaining only theoretical.{{Fn|1}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Epsilon Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (21+)
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Zeta Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (22+)
 +
| Considered the highest living tissue can sustain.{{Fn|1}}
 +
|-
 +
! scope=row style="font-size:larger;" | Eta&nbsp;Plus<br>·<br>·<br>·<br>Omega&nbsp;Plus
 +
| style="font-size:smaller;text-align:center;" | (23+)<br>·<br>·<br>·<br>(40+)
 +
| Levels considered requiring a being's mind to rely on non-corporeal structures for the being to survive.{{Fn|1}}
 +
|}
  
−
*'''Beta''' and '''Alpha'''
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==Sources==
−
**Very rare and very high levels of psi activity which present a dangerous threat to the Imperium. It is believed that human brains cannot contain these power levels and therefore are usually sufferers of some mental instability, which makes them even more difficult to deal with or to predict.
+
*{{Endn|1}}: [[The Inquisition (Background Book)]], pg. 67
 +
*{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 2nd Edition Rulebook]], pg. 72
 +
*{{Endn|3}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Dark Millennium (Box Set)]] Rulebook, pg. 4
 +
*{{Endn|4}}: [[Codex: Tau (3rd Edition)]], pg. 7
 +
*{{Endn|5}}: [[Codex: Necrons (3rd Edition)]], pg. 17
 +
*6: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]]:
 +
**{{Endn|6a}}: pg. 123
 +
**{{Endn|6b}}: pg. 125
 +
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Atlas Infernal (Novel)]], Act III, Canto II
 +
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Codex: Assassins (3rd Edition)]], pg. 5
 +
*{{Endn|9}}: [[Malleus (Novel)]] — [[Eisenhorn (Omnibus)]], Chapter Seven
 +
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Archmagos (Novel)]], Chapter 17
 +
*{{Endn|11}}: [[Warhammer 40,000: Darktide]], Commodore's Vestures, Calumny Faal (bundle)
 +
*12: [[Dark Heresy: Ascension]]:
 +
**{{Endn|12a}}: pgs. 40 & 41
 +
**{{Endn|12b}}: pg. 197
 +
*{{Endn|13}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120128144936/http://new.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/dark-heresy/pdf/Disciples%20Web%20Enhancement.pdf ''Dark Heresy: Disciples of the Dark Gods Web Enhancement'', pg. 2 - The Burning Princess (Last saved on 28/01/2012)] (Last accessed on 21/12/2023)
 +
*{{Endn|14}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20060705222237/http://uk.games-workshop.com:80/witchhunters/villainy-infamy/3/ Villainy & Infamy] {{Archive|20060705222237|14:58, 9 July 2024 (UTC)}}
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20120128144936/http://new.fantasyflightgames.com/ffg_content/dark-heresy/pdf/Disciples%20Web%20Enhancement.pdf ''Dark Heresy: Disciples of the Dark Gods Web Enhancement'', pg. 2 (Last saved on 28/01/2012)] ''(last accessed 09/12/2023)''
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [[Necromunda: The Book of Peril]], pg. 44
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[The Voice (Short Story)]]
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[Codex: Assassins (2nd Edition)]], pgs. 20-23
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Adeptus Titanicus: Shadow and Iron]], pgs. 44-47
 +
*{{Endn|20}}: [[Throne of Light (Novel)]], Chapter 7
 +
*{{Endn|21}}: [[Codex: Space Marines (9th Edition)]], pg. 35 - ''Librarius''
 +
*{{Endn|22}}: [[Ravenor (Novel)]], Part One, Chapter Three
 +
*{{Endn|23}}: [[Witchbringer (Novel)]], Chapter 5
  
−
==Alpha Plus==
+
{{DEFAULTSORT:Assignment, The}}
−
The twenty-four point Imperial scale functions adequately for the purposes of comparison and investigation. Although there are sometimes individuals of such power who pass beyond the scale entirely. These are known as '''Alpha Plus''' level psykers.
 
−
 
 
−
Any psyker at this level of psi activity is a catastrophic threat to the Imperium and must be contained and/or executed. Alpha plus humans also always suffer from insanity meaning that their capture is almost always a large and bloody affair consisting of several Imperial institutions working in concert.
 
−
 
 
−
==Negative Ratings==
 
−
The Imperial scale does also extend below '''Rho''' into levels of psi-inactivity. While such individuals are not particularly threatening to the Imperium as they have no ability to manipulate the warp, they do present interesting avenues of study for Inquisitors.
 
−
 
 
−
==Classifications of Psi-Inactivity (In descending order)==
 
−
*'''Rho'''
 
−
**Standard human psi activity
 
−
 
 
−
*'''Sigma''' and '''Tau'''
 
−
**Psi-inactive individuals who are oblivious to warp presences and psychic talents.
 
−
 
 
−
*'''Upsilon''', '''Phi''', '''Chi''' and '''Psi'''
 
−
**"Blunt" individuals who may be immune to the psychic powers of others.
 
−
 
 
−
*'''Omega'''
 
−
**Often known as ''[[Pariahs|Untouchables]]'', ''Pariahs'' or ''Blanks'' these individuals are so psi-inert that they actually have a negative psychic influence on others. This primarily manifests in a region of psi nullification around themselves that psychic powers or warp entities cannot penetrate.
 
−
**This level of psi-negativity can also be sensed by others, often resulting in irrational fear or loathing of the untouchable, which increases the further up the psi-scale of the person in question, to the point that it is uncomfortable or even painful for [[psykers]] to be near an untouchable.
 
−
 
 
−
==Sources==
 
−
*[[The Inquisition]] - Nick Kyme, Lindsey Priestly, George Stirling (2007) Black Library Publishing.
 
−
*[[Eisenhorn Trilogy]]
 
−
*[[For The Emperor (Novel)|For The Emperor]] by [[Sandy Mitchell]]
 
−
*[[Codex: Assassins (3rd Edition)]]
 
  
 +
[[Category:Adeptus Astra Telepathica]]
 
[[Category:Inquisition]]
 
[[Category:Inquisition]]
−
[[Category:Abhumans and Mutants]]
+
[[Category:Psychic Powers]]
−
[[Category:Adeptus Astronomica and Adeptus Astra Telepathica]]
+
[[Category:Psykers]]
 +
[[Category:Imperial Categorisation Systems]]

Latest revision as of 22:19, 9 April 2026

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The Imperium measures and records the psionic activity and power level of psychic individuals through a rating system called The Assignment[1] or Imperial assignment.[10] Comprised of a twenty-four point scale, The Assignment simplifies the comparison of psykers to aid Imperial authorities in recognizing possible threats.[1] Classifications are made by the Scholastica Psykana.[12b]

Overview

Beings which utilize psychic powers, or psykers, exist within many of the races residing within the galaxy. Human psykers, eldar warlocks and ork weirdboyz all fall into this category.[2] Beings such as daemons of the warp are made of purely psychic energies.[3] There are species, like the tau, which are devoid of psykers or psychic powers.[4] There are even beings which could be called anti-psykers, human blanks[1] and necron pariahs.[5] Due to their use in the armies of Man and their relative abundance in the Imperium's enemies, the Imperium has devised a way to classify all psykers it may come across.[1] The average Homo Sapiens Imperial is judged to have an assignment rating of Rho or Pi. These individuals cannot consciously or subconsciously draw power from the Immaterium and are not able to become possessed without outside psychic influence. As the vast majority of mankind falls into this assignment level, the common imperial citizen poses little psychic security threat.[1]

Nevertheless, uncommon individuals are birthed every day with assignment ratings exceeding Pi. By imperial edict, these men and women are to be discovered and brought to the attention of the Inquisition to protect against harmful psychic events. With the multitude of threats besieging the Imperium, however, it is only truly practical to investigate those suspected of Iota level talent or greater.[1]

In the rarest of all cases, the twenty-four point scale of the assignment does not adequately characterize a being of indescribable ability. Such individuals, for all intents and purposes, pass beyond the scale entirely. These subjects are known as belonging to a “plus” scale or a “reversed” scale, since the standard grading's naming convention is reversed.[1] When uncontained, plus psykers represent an immediate and catastrophic threat to the Imperium. In theory, there is nothing that a trained plus psyker cannot accomplish through force of will, from snapping a Titan in half to summoning a legion of Greater Daemons. A rogue plus psyker represents a great danger, and the Ordo Hereticus of the Inquisition considers them among the greatest threats they can face. Their souls are poetically said to burn akin to supernovae within the Empyrean, a beacon for daemons flocking and vying for the right to possess their unguarded minds.[6b]

Although rarely used, precise terminology for a negative psionic carries a "-Minus" at the end; a psionic of negative class Omega is thus properly called an Omega-Minus psyker.[7]

The grading of an individual can change over time.[11][13] It is not uncommon for a psyker to unlock greater levels of power as they continue to practice, grow, and mature.[11][12a][13] For example, a delta level psyker might become a gamma or even beta over their career as a Sanctioned Psyker.[12a] This warrants subsequent reclassification to more accurately reflect their burgeoning powers.[11][12a]

List of psionic levels

The below lists denotes the points of the Assignment, with their provided description.[1] Numbers in brackets are not associated with the approved terminology, and exists within the table to illustrate a cardinal order of the terms, with 0 denoting the first psionically inert level, negative numbers indicating negative psionic levels, and numbers with plus indicating plus scale levels.

Ordinals Description
Omega (Ω) (-7) Usually referred to as Untouchables (also known as blanks or pariahs). These individuals are so inert in the Warp as to actually exhibit negative psychic influence upon others.[1] Primarily manifested as a small region of “blankness” surrounding the individual, it is impossible for psychic powers or warp creatures to penetrate this space.[8] Imperial science has shown the dead area surrounding the subject interferes with natural electrical-mental functions. This often results in irrational fear and loathing for the individual from baseline humans.[9] For psykers, however, they are physically and mentally painful to be near.[8] This is the grade of Sisters of Silence,[17] Culexus Assassins,[18] Preceptors-Intendant of the Ordo Sinister[19], and Solitairestext-middle[Help].
Psi (Ψ) (-6) Psionically-dense individuals who are oblivious to warp fluctuations and psychic probing. The range of this ability varies, with the highest class being just deemed 'blunt' to some psionic effects, the lowest class being extremely resistant to effects of psychic activity, yet still considered touchable by a measurable extreme degree of psionic power.[1] These grades generally qualify someone to be a crew member of a Black Ship.[20]
Chi (Χ) (-5)
Phi (Φ) (-4)
Upsilon (Υ) (-3)
Tau (Τ) (-2)
Sigma (Σ) (-1)
Rho (Ρ) (0) No manifestation of psychic talent (common human being).[1]
Pi (Π) (1) Second of the two so-called inert psychic levels.[1] Possesses, however, some degree of psionic power. The manifestations are so insignificant that if they happen to be noticed they are quickly denounced as "good luck" or a pretension to a sixth sense.[7]
Omicron (Ο) (2) Unconscious and minor level of psionic brain activity, of which the individuals and their surroundings are often unaware unless put to examination. Although these classes are technically by law under the jurisdiction of the Inquisition, it is logistically unfeasible to examine every suspicion of them in the wider galaxy.[1] An example psyker of this grade is Mortanna Shroud, who is a Lambda.[16]
Xi (Ξ) (3)
Nu (Ν) (4)
Mu (Μ) (5)
Lambda (Λ) (6)
Kappa (Κ) (7)
Iota (Ι) (8) As the individual is able to control abilities with effort, subjects of Iota level and higher are true psykers and upon discovery are usually immediately put under the care of the Inquisition[1] and the League of Black Ships,[6a] unless they have a legal excuse not to be, such as having already been recruited into a Space Marine chapter as an acolytum.[21]
Theta (Θ) (9)
Eta (Η) (10)
Zeta (Ζ) (11) Very high level of mental psychic activity.[1] Most Imperial worlds rarely produce more than a few nascent psykers every decade, let alone more than a couple with the raw potential to reach zeta or epsilon class with proper training.[23] An example psyker of this grade is Calumny Faal, who is a Zeta. But their powers are growing through practice, prompting the need for reclassification.[11]
Epsilon (Ε) (12)
Delta (Δ) (13) Occurring in approximately one-per-billion human births.[1] Example psykers of this grade include Gregor Eisenhorn and Gideon Ravenor[22], both of whom were high Delta or low Gamma (and not necessarily the same grade as each other). Agun Soric was Beta grade, and Esarhaddon was an Alpha.
Gamma (Γ) (14)
Beta (Β) (15)
Alpha (Α) (16)
Alpha Plus (17+) First of and numerically almost synonymous with "plus" scale, still occurring the rarest in relation to all previous cases. Their state of mind always comes with a perceivable level of dementation or insanity.[1] Examples of this grade include the rogue psykers known as the Apex Twins,[14] as well as the Burning Princess.[15]
Beta Plus (18+) Assumed to be the highest a human brain can withstand and be in possession of a fading semblance of sanity.[1]
Gamma Plus (19+) The highest registered psionic human level to date. It is more widely achievable by some unspecified alien species and daemons, but not even they are known to exceed this rank.[1]
Delta Plus (20+) Never measured classifications, remaining only theoretical.[1]
Epsilon Plus (21+)
Zeta Plus (22+) Considered the highest living tissue can sustain.[1]
Eta Plus
·
·
·
Omega Plus 		(23+)
·
·
·
(40+) 		Levels considered requiring a being's mind to rely on non-corporeal structures for the being to survive.[1]

Sources

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