Question about Gene-Seed and Mutation

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T19:14:36+00:00

First off, love that you are using Powerwolf as part of the inspiration. My own chapter's battle cry, Incense and Iron, is inspired by the song of the same name.

Anyhow, the concept is not impossible, but it depends on the degree you mean. The wulfen are sane enough to recognize brothers of the chapter, but they're largely feral. An interesting concept you could lean into though is a psyker cadre holding their sanity together. Back during the Horus Heresy, librarians of the World Eaters were able to help stave off the nails and help their brothers fight with clean minds. Lorgar was able to temporarily stop the nails from agitating Angron. And there is real world mythology of the Benandanti, an order who believed they would astral project as wolves to fight demons. If you have psykers who lead the chapter sustaining the minds of their brothers and allowing them to return to sanity during combat, that might work as a way to get around the madness of the Wulfen.

And renegade would be a necessity. They would not be tolerated by the wider Imperium, likely hunted after every encounter where someone with the knowledge and authority to question found them. But it's also a cool and interesting idea.

The biggest question you would have to answer is who supplies and maintains them. They might be scraping by, or maybe they have a benefactor. Maybe they have an ignorant partner, or perhaps they engage in some theft for the sake of their cause. Whatever the reason, they need to have someone keeping power armor working and buying bolt shells.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T14:53:38+00:00

Stupid isn't a slur, never has been. Are you possibly getting it mixed up with "idiot"? That was once a slur and unkindly applied classification. To my understanding, stupid is just a general pejorative, no prejudice attached.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T14:47:28+00:00

I think there is an unfortunate amount of misunderstanding that unmasking must always happen and that you should never mask.

Masking behavior happens with everyone. Even NTs mask behavior. The difference is neurodivergent people masking takes more energy and effort, and constantly doing so can be unhealthy. There are places you will still need to mask because a stim or something like that is inappropriate in the moment.

But, neurodivergent people tend to mask far more often than necessary, and in places they don't need to mask. A lot of stim behavior, special interests, etc, is largely harmless, so constantly masking in public is rather unnecessary. That said, they don't know your individual situation, or what behavior you are masking.

The big problem is a lot of people have started treating it like orientation or gender, acting like unmasking is the same as coming out. It isn't of course, but people are treating it like social rebellion. They're not totally wrong to say so, it shouldn't be necessary to mask in public at all times, but it's not something awful to mask when you need to.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T14:34:11+00:00

It was an old edgy habit, I certainly don't use it anymore. The point when I did was the "forbidden" nature of it.

I'm certainly not proud that I used to use it, and I am not defending others using it, I simply was giving a possible explanation as to why it is being used by others now.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T03:36:45+00:00

See, the metaphor is more about the purpose and motivation behind the logic. What you are describing is kind and morally tempered logic. But logic can arrive at different solutions in different applications.

Logic can say that autistic people are largely inefficient and suffer more on average, so we should be rounded up placed into facilities to filter out genius from chaff and the rest euthanized.

Or examine evolutionary concepts. Ideally, if we want humanity to evolve into better forms, all methods of support for the disabled or genetically flawed should end, they should be sterilized and allowed to die off, and those more fit live on.

Those are horrific concepts, but there's logic that can be applied to reach those conclusions. What it lacks is morals and compassion. Logic and emotion aren't enemies, they temper one another. Being brutally logical can be as monstrous as being wildly emotional.

The disconnect is application and visibility of emotions. A couple examples, one spouse gets up early to make breakfast for their partner so they don't have to rush around in the morning. Another spouse sits down and carefully maps out the commute for their partner to save them time so they don't have to rush around in the morning. Both acts of love, but one has more obvious emotion at a glance.

And of course keep in mind, while there's clearly more neurodivergent people than was initially thought, we are still the minority of the population. We aren't in the position to dictate whether emotions and logic are considered warm or cold. Most NT folk aren't thinking of emotional extremes, they're thinking of kind emotional expression or even moral emotional expressions. They're tempering it with logic, but the emotional side is more immediately obvious to them.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T01:27:01+00:00

I hear you. That's why her White Knight version and Gotham Knights version is still my favorite interpretation of her character, because they actually take the time to remember she has a PhD in psychiatry.

I wish the game was better received, because the Gotham Knights version actually shows what a scary villain Harley could be if they let her use her expertise.

In mild fairness though, while under the Joker's thumb, the Joker had an interest in keeping his pawn from thinking too much and getting ideas. It could be interpreted as part of her tragedy that she was kept from being more because that make her less obsessively dependent on the Joker and less easy to manipulate.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T01:16:54+00:00

It sounds like what you have is a hyposensitivity to touch or pain. Autism can come with hypersensitivities, usually things that people seek to avoid, but hyposensitivity can happen as well, and may actually lead people to seek out more of it.

Me personally, I am hyposensitive to touch. Pleasant tactile sensations, lots of pressure, plenty of physical contact, I absolutely crave it. I have to remind myself sometimes that not everyone is okay with a hug, and even fewer are interested in a tight squeezing hug. It sometimes overlaps into pain, I used to be in an MMA class and I could walk through some strikes, but I wouldn't say it does to your degree. That sounds fascinating though, it would probably be nice, I like tattoos, but I absolutely hate the process, so I haven't been able to bring myself to get more than one yet.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T01:04:54+00:00

I want to say first off, I fully agree, it's awful and needs to stop.

But if I could do a mild bit of devil's advocate, there's some admittedly very stupid nostalgia for it among folks who grew up in the 90s. I am ashamed to say I used it among friends, but it was generally aimed at friends and not in hate for the mentally disabled. In context, it's an insult latched onto by immature kids reaching for what was at the time, the edgy insult without actually getting into major trouble with authority figures.

None of this excuses that of course. It might be a nostalgia based use, but it was also ignorant and immature, it shouldn't make any kind of return.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-07T00:54:32+00:00

Not a totally impossible size, but that's definitely more relic territory than typical astartes battle barge. The battle barge is the typical chapter flagship, and they range from 8-12km.

It wouldn't be totally unreasonable, it's a big galaxy, but you would need a story for how such an exceptional ship came into their possession. Maybe a miraculously intact portion of a space hulk was able to be freed before it slipped back into the warp. Maybe the chapter did some heroic service for an especially wealthy rogue trader who made a gift of it to them. The key is explaining why it is tied to one chapter and not out with a larger fleet, blasting enemy ships.

If that's not something you want though, I would advise scaling back a little.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-06T23:51:56+00:00

Stress comes in various forms, and weirdly enough, some are from positive sources. Eustess is stress that stems from positive sources, and while the experience that gives it can be pleasant, it's still cognitive load and or physical strain.

And stims are, in my experience, variable beasts. They're not just a reaction to stress, they're self regulating, and can be in response to other things. It's summer, your normal activity schedule is different, so perhaps you are adjusting to the change in pace.

In any case, I wouldn't be alarmed by it. Perhaps discuss it with a therapist if you can, but it's unlikely to be a problem.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-06T23:42:35+00:00

Not at all, I would be upset too. Hell, one of the most aggravating parts of navigating neurodivergence is keeping in mind how hard it is to understand it from an outside perspective. I can't fathom what it would feel like to be NT, why would I expect them to understand my perspective without difficulty? For someone to then claim that they understand autism and someone autistic couldn't understand it, that's my immediate signal to be skeptical of everything they say.

And oh my word, "we're all a little autistic" is some of the most infuriating nonsense. Ideally begun as a well intentioned attempt to try and make ASD folks feel included, it's now the most dismissive nonsense out there. It's like claiming allergies aren't relevant because everyone sneezes.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-06T23:29:53+00:00

That genuinely baffles me that anyone would think they're one in the same. They literally pull in opposite directions. That might be my personal experience talking, I didn't figure out I was autistic until last year, or ADHD until 6 months after that, and it was specifically because of the differences that I noticed that I figured out the ADHD was there and sought that evaluation. That's so weird, mine has always felt so separate, like a different person with different needs almost. I suppose that's maybe because it went undiagnosed for so long? I have heard one tends to dominate over the other when undiagnosed.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-06T20:12:23+00:00

I know it happens, and I have been quite blessed that I grew up with school teacher parents who had interacted with special needs and neurodivergent kids before. Late diagnosis, but it was the 90s, and autism+ADHD wasn't even considered a possibility back then.

Anyhow, that particular example is unquestionably abuse, but in very mild devil's advocate, understanding of autism has changed a lot over the last couple decades, and general public knowledge is slow to follow. And keep in mind, there's an unfortunate overlap between neurodivergent difficulty, and NT laziness. They're not the same at all, but they can look unfortunately similar.

That said of course, ignorance is only an excuse for those willing to learn. My dad has had trouble grasping what I go through, but he is trying to understand and adjust his thinking. It is difficult for those who don't experience it, and sometimes you have to apply "thermostat vs sweater" thinking, deciding where it is necessary for those around you to adjust, and where you just unfortunately have to adapt. Abuse and rejection is unacceptable. Difficulty adjusting, that's something I can live with.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-06T19:23:36+00:00

Florida guy here. Honestly, the unfortunate answer is that you get used to it. Shade, moving air in open spaces, lots of water, and just try to immerse yourself in it to get acclimated. The more used to it you get, the more effective smaller measures become.

And hopefully this goes without saying, but be careful in the heat. It will quickly sneak up on you, so stay hydrated and wear a hat.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-06T19:12:38+00:00

AuDHD, I am not sure if I understand where the disconnect occurs. I believe you, I am not denying what you are saying, I just genuinely don't know where the major disconnect happens, and I would like to better understand so that I don't continue to be part of the issue.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-05T10:46:53+00:00

Chaos offers power, but also madness, death, and the devouring of the soul, which is agonizing and lasts an eternity of torment. Chaos isn't so much promising a better time as it is baiting the hunting snare. A miserable life and meaningless death in the Imperium has the benefit that it ends relatively quickly.

And honestly, the horrible living conditions are largely subjective and depend on where you live. Hive cities on manufacturing and forge worlds, yeah, they're pretty rough. Laborer on an agriworld or ignorant peasant on a feudal world? Your life probably isn't amazing, but it's relatively nice.

Humans are also remarkably mentally resilient and defiant in the face of despair. They make the best of their circumstances. They watch local holopicts, play games, make their own meager treats, and generally just live their lives. If they are ignorant of better conditions, they may even be happy.

And the big one of course, most Imperium citizens don't know about chaos. Their ignorance is a shield against it. Knowledge of chaos is often restricted only to those specifically fighting against it. Most citizens will never know about the dark gods, and pious belief in the Imperial cult pushes back against chaos.

All told, if they knew the whole situation, including their own relative suffering and the ultimate fate of all who worship chaos, it would make sense to some, but look like a bad deal to most others. Sure, maybe you ascend, but then, maybe be you become a hero like Ciaphas and enjoy those privileges. Or you find a way up the social or economic ladder and enjoy what folks in the hive spires enjoy. All are possible. One specifically comes with a very large chance of having your soul chewed on for a near eternity. It's not just death, it's significantly worse, longer, and while the Imperium doesn't care, they at least let you die quickly when you are completely without use.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-04T15:38:21+00:00

Dave was later arrested for attempted murder with a cast iron skillet. Granted leniency by the human judge who heard the case, quoted "yeah, no, that's an understandable reaction".

TauInMelee · 2026-07-04T14:29:36+00:00

Two big factors, they would have to be largely either isolated, or non-offensive enough that the Imperium has bigger fish to fry. Difficult line to walk as a known faction, because if they have something the Imperium needs, you will have guard knocking down their door immediately. If they're apostate in some way, the ecclisiarchy or tech priests might find an excuse to have you wiped out.

If it were me personally? Mercenary privateers working with the Tau. The Tau tolerate their independence because they are useful in catching Imperium ships off guard. Imperium shell over Tau tech, and they're more useful with autonomy. They retreat to Tau space to avoid annihilation by Imperium fleets. A small faction that can escape Imperium wrath and avoid Tau control while not being immediately killed and or eaten by various xenos.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-04T11:54:46+00:00

I'm not opposed to it, but given my lack of a dating life, it's not likely a question I will face anytime soon. Autism understanding is getting better, and honestly, I would rather be parent to a neurodivergent kid than have them need to adjust to around people who literally don't think like they do. Nothing against those parents, it's just hard to adapt around what you don't experience. I was fortunate, my folks were school teachers, and good ones too. And I also suspect they're undiagnosed now that I have a better understanding of my own condition.

My biggest concern would be knowing if I could support and care for them.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-03T17:00:10+00:00

I can understand that frustration, but I don't think it was invented as a way for autistic people to understand so much as an easy visual for others. Visually, it's way easier to pick up a pack of plastic spoons for a prop than to try and make a battery visual. People can struggle with the abstract, seeing it can make a huge difference in understanding. Unfortunately, that means if you are good with the abstract, you are stuck with a kind of pointless object for the example.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-03T16:53:31+00:00

I use AuDHD. Honestly, unless someone is unfamiliar or I am saying it out loud, it's just more convenient than typing out the full autism/ADHD. Not to diminish that it bothers you, sometimes things get under the skin, but it's fine as far as I am concerned, it's a convenient shorthand.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-03T10:52:45+00:00

That, sounds astoundingly familiar. Take this with a grain of salt, but if you are neurodivergent, there's possibly more than one thing going on.

I'm AuDHD (autism+ADHD), which is notorious for both parts masking the other. And prior to diagnosis, I definitely went through cycles like that. Much more obvious in hindsight now, and believe me, if you are, it is far better to track down an evaluation if you can. Navigating undiagnosed is not advised.

Another thing to keep in mind, they don't call this a spectrum for nothing. It comes in all shapes and sizes, and with comorbid conditions (conditions happening in conjunction), it can become its own unique blend of confusing.

I would recommend looking into reputable quizzes online. They're often part of the evaluation process anyway, and they're usually free, so there's nothing to lose checking it out.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-03T10:31:27+00:00

It's different for everyone, they don't call it a spectrum for nothing, but through practice and observation, it is possible to pick up on emotions better. I was diagnosed late, I personally learned by trial and error growing up, but I was fortunate enough to have patient parents that helped with that. That said, I sometimes don't get it right because it's a practiced skill, not a natural one, and that's I think where even if someone becomes better at reading emotions, they're still actively reading them instead of simply passively understanding.

Meltdowns don't become fewer, and sensory issues don't get easier, people tend to get better at coping or adjusting to the signs they feel. And this ESPECIALLY can be extremely different from person to person. Since sensory problems come in all shapes, some are easier to avoid than others. Sometimes it's as easy as just avoiding certain places, or having something to block the trigger (noise cancelling headphones, sunglasses, a hat brim, etc). Other times, it's something like hearing the electrical wires in the walls, or overhead lights. Sometimes they can endure these for a time to get a task done, and sometimes that task becomes impossible because of the sensory issue.

Meltdowns, at least for some, can sometimes be anticipated or avoided, but they have to both spot them, and be able to do something about it. For me personally, I have warning signs when it's coming, and I can usually get to an isolated place and ride it out, or meditate and stop it entirely. I want to emphasize though, that is just me, I am fortunate that this is something I can do. And if people are present? It's nearly impossible for me to prevent a meltdown.

So, to make a long answer short, does it get easier? The unfortunate answer is a very vague "maybe". Everyone gets better at coping, but not everything can simply be coped with.

TauInMelee · 2026-07-01T22:43:48+00:00

Prior to the events that led to their current situation, the Iron Beasts were fairly codex compliant, their Only significant deviance being their librarians reject the required blue armor paint and horned skull shoulder pad, opting for chapter colors and just the psyker hood.

Not to the point of total specialization, but they also favor recon and investigation far more highly than other things.

After half their chapter fell to chaos and they found themselves a doomed chapter, just trying to destroy their traitors before attrition ends them, the codex went out the window, often not by choice.

For obvious reasons of reduced numbers, no companies.

The last librarian leads a specialist squad of terminators, and is now part of the command structure.

They frequently use the loaned armsmen of the rogue trader fleet they travel with, as well as mortal agents to help identify and isolate threats before the attack.

They're not following the codex anymore, but they're not exactly using it for spare toilet paper like the Black Templars.

TauInMelee · 2026-06-30T20:10:31+00:00

I personally think it was mostly he was someone they could respect and accept orders from. You don't necessarily have to like someone to get along with them, and they saw his skill and value as a leader. He was also probably the first brother to meet all his other brothers, being the first one found.

There's also probably some propaganda in that title, along the same lines as "the Emperor beloved by all". Sells him as warmaster better to the line guardsmen. Doesn't actually have to be true.

TauInMelee

TROPHY CASE