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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→Mutation Among Humanity: Added content.
'''Mutants''' are creatures bearing some form of severe genetic deviance from the normal members of their species. Some are born mutants, while others have suffered more spontaneous mutation through the influence of the [[Warp]], whether by worshiping it or being exposed to its energies. Persecuted and hunted by [[Imperial]] society, Mutants often make up the forces of [[Chaos]].{{Fn|1b}}
==Mutation among humanityAmong Humanity==
[[Image:Mutants.jpg|thumb|right|300px|Mutants with a captive<sup></sup>]]
[[Human]]ity has suffered greatly since the 20th Century from the effects of mutation due to exposure to chemical and nuclear contamination. Nuclear war was widespread during both the [[Dark Age of Technology]] and the following [[Age of Strife]], which has left many worlds badly exposed to the radioactive aftermath and has led to a significantly increased rate of mutation. Genetically healthy parents may have in some cases a 5% chance of rearing mutant offspring while mutant parents may give birth to mutant children around 90% of the time. Therefore, some human worlds may have an overwhelmingly mutant population.{{Fn|5}}
Human mutants are often terribly misshapen creatures, abominably deviating from the normal human form. On the other hand, not all mutants are degenerated beasts; many only bear a few extraordinary traits setting them apart from the rest of humanity.{{Fn|5}}
There are many mutants amongst humanityHumanity. Most pose a great threat, and very few are tolerated. The most important mutants are [[psyker]]s, who are both the most useful and the most dangerous. Only by the righteous persecution of the [[Inquisition]] and the careful testing of the [[Coven Master]]s of the [[Adeptus Astra Telepathica]] can dangerous mutants be cleansed from the Imperium.{{Fn|7}}
The position of mutants within the Imperium varies from world to world. On primitive worlds they are often slain at birth. On more advanced worlds they may be allowed to live, but rarely enjoy the benefits of other humans and are usually segregated from the normal population. In general terms, mutants form a huge downtrodden portion of the Imperium's population. Their dissatisfaction sometimes erupts into rebellion, sometimes allowing the mutants to take temporary control of an entire world. Retaliation, however, is usually swift and effective.{{Fn|5}}
