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These individuals are typically low-ranking.{{Fn|1a}} Although they might not have yet the same authority and responsibilities as a Tech-Priest master, they still have the potential to control and command a myriad of powerful arcane weapons, [[automata]], and battlegear used by Tech-Priests of various disciplines, should they have the resources and need to do so.{{Fn|3}} They are individuals of proven intellectual potential and skill within the Machine Cult.{{Fn|2a}}
Tech-Adepts can be some of the lowest ranking Tech-Priests of the Martian cult. The lowest ranking among them mainly have maintenance and construction duties, but as a Tech-adept progresses and acquires greater knowledge, they are relieved from the more trivial day-to-day tasks and allowed to study and learn of the greater mysterious and missing techniques that have prevented any kind of progressive development in the Imperium’s technological base.{{Fn|1a}} A [[Forge World]] populated by billions of menials might be presided over by tens of thousands of Tech-Priests and millions of Tech-adepts toiling away each day within their local [[System|star system]].{{Fn|10}}
The general work they might be tasked with can vary greatly depending on their current master and circumstances. Examples can include doing menial census work within a food or water starved sector of a Forge-City{{Fn|8a}} or repairing life-support machinery.{{Fn|4b}} Many of the lost technological arts used by the Imperium are known only to the Mechanicus priesthood and those they choose to share their sacred knowledge with. Many secrets of manufacturing are now known to but a handful of the inner circle of the Adeptus Mechanicus [[Magos]] and their tech-adepts.{{Fn|1b}} Through rune and hammer, the Tech-Adepts are the wards of the arcane and they guard their knowledge jealously.{{Fn|1c}}
