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{{Quarantine}}
{{ChaosPortal}}
[[Image:Mutant MobDavora mutant.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A horde of human mutants[[Davora]], sumpfolk ferryman.{{Fn|1d14c}}]]
'''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}}
There are many mutants amongst Humanity. 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}}
[[Image:Mutant Mob.jpg|thumb|right|250px|A horde of human mutants{{Fn|1d}}]]
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}}
The laws of Imperial worlds normally forbid such creatures from possessing armaments; those weapons that mutants do possess are usually limited to crude shotguns or blunderbusses, heavy duty [[stubgun|revolver-stubguns]], chains, whips and clubs which can be easily made and concealed.{{Fn|1d}}
[[Imperial]] [[Sanctioned-Mutation Work Pass]]es can be given to Mutants, which will prevent them from being killed due to their genetic deviances. However, while the documents will work on the world they are issued on, other Imperial worlds may not accept the passes.{{Fn|3}} On some worlds where mutants are permitted to live and work, the mutant population is largely focused on licensed shanty towns around the [[Hive|mainhives]]. While mutants are not permitted in all spaces in the Imperium, normal humans aren’t necessarily permitted in mutant spaces either. For example, a mutant nightclub might not allow normal humans to enter.{{Fn|11}} The [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] will also trade to mutant clans deep below hive cities for any rare [[archeotech]] they might find.{{Fn|14a}}
Some mutants take great pride in calling themselves by the Imperium’s glibbest slang as a badge of honour. Among mutants, the word "mutant" can be regarded as dirty or offensive. "Twist", a slur meaning mutant, is an acceptable slang term used among mutants.{{Fn|11}} Some mutant communities are thoroughly devout followers of the [[Imperial Creed]], as such, their religion's hatred of the mutant is turned inwards. One's shame for their own mutations being one of their highest virtues.{{Fn|14b}}
[[Dissembler]]s are a type of Mutant.{{Fn|6}} [[Navigator]]s are considered Mutants, as well but were actually intentionally created in the distant past. Because they are a vital part of the Imperium, they are a tolerated form of mutant.{{Fn|12}}