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'''Xenos''' is an [[Imperium|Imperial]] term synonymous with "alien" (from the [[human]] perspective), and refers to all non-human and extraterrestrial sentient species. "Xeno" is properly only used as a prefix. A xeno-artifact or xeno-technology, for instance, respectively, refers to an alien artifact or alien technology.{{citethis}}

The major alien races are the [[Ork]]s, [[Eldar]], [[Dark Eldar]], [[Tyranid]]s, [[Necron]]s and the [[Tau]]. All these races pose a considerable threat to the survival and continued dominance of mankind. There are countless other races but all are trivial by comparison.{{citethis}}

The [[Imperium]] considers humanity the rightful rulers of the whole [[galaxy]]. Part of the [[Imperial Creed]] is that all aliens judged to pose a threat to mankind's survival must be contained or destroyed. Aliens, along with mutants, heretics and deviants, are all considered enemies of mankind, for they threaten the very survival of the human race.{{citethis}}

Although friendly dealings with aliens is almost unthinkable, [[Rogue Trader]]s are allowed to barter and trade with aliens.{{citethis}}

Despite all the fear and hatred, on certain occasions, short-termed military alliances have been established with the '''Eldar'''. These temporary alliances are somewhat uncommon but not unheard of. They are made against a common enemy like the forces of [[Chaos]], [[Tyranids]] or [[Orks]]. The [[Imperial Navy]], units of the [[Imperial Guard]], and even detachments of Space Marines have, on certain occasions, fought beside Eldar forces. A fine example for this is the [[Gothic War]], during which the Imperium allied itself with the Eldar of the An-Iolus Craftworld against the forces of [[Ezekyle Abaddon|Abaddon the Despoiler]]. No temporary alliances with the [[Tau]] have been made, but short-termed truces have happened.{{citethis}}

Some human organisations, including some factions of the [[Inquisition]], individual [[Navigator]] families, the [[Illuminati]] brotherhood, etc., even have certain secret dealings and alliances with the Eldar. All these agreements are carefully guarded secrets, as they would be considered treason by other more conservative factions of the Imperium. One such pact is the [[Coven of Isha]].{{citethis}}

Certain individuals, like Captain [[Gabriel Angelos]] of the [[Blood Ravens]] have had friendlier contact with certain Eldar. The Blood Ravens Chapter in particular has had unclear contacts with the Eldar throughout its history. This is, for obvious reasons, kept secret by all parties involved. Ironically, the secrecy surrounding the Blood Ravens' actions with the Eldar could possibly be one contributing factor to the Chapter being largely unaware of its history.{{citethis}}

Unlawful friendlier contact on a larger scale can happen, as some Imperial governors simply ignore Imperial law if the potential rewards are great enough and will trade with some xeno-races. Many items of xeno-origin are smuggled into and within the Imperium. Exotic weapons, tomes of knowledge, poisons, certain xeno-devices to dispose of one's rivals, etc., seem to be craved by certain members of the jaded elite and commonly used in some quarters. A known example is the '''[[Jokaero]] death spider''', which uses zarthax, one of the deadliest poisons in the galaxy{{Fn|1}}. Certain Imperial factions use xeno-weaponry on occasion.{{citethis}}

Some governors have even hired alien mercenaries to maintain their grip on power.{{citethis}}

The '''[[Tau]]''' deliberately foster such developments, trading with nearby Imperial systems and preaching the ideals of the [[Greater Good]]. As a result, a very small number of Imperial governors on the frontiers of the [[Ultima Segmentum]] have recently seceded from the Imperium, pledging their allegiance and the loyalty of their respective worlds and star-systems to the Tau empire.{{citethis}}

{{Trivia}}Etymologically, "ξένος (xénos)" is a Greek word meaning "stranger" or "alien".{{citethis}}