Traits
A limited assessment of the behaviors and anatomical traits of the Cinquefoils, deduced largely through speculation on observations in absence of proper specimens and records.
Assessment: Asterii/Nemesis Xenos/Cinquefoils
-Anatomy (taken from recollections of singular encounter with a specimen—as such, many approximations have been used by necessity): the Nemesis Xenos, hereafter referred to at times in the shorthand "Cinquefoils" are non-humanoid, appearing most closely analogous to squid in their basic shape, standing 2-3x the height of an average human. They have five limbs in radially symmetrical alignment; similarly, their limbs end in five radially symmetric digits. This form factor appears to have influenced many aspects of their design sensibilities, particularly in technology (where they also display an interest in the number 33; it is possible that this is actually a representation 33.33 repeating, to add to a total of 100, representing a 1/3 fractional component of a whole).
Smaller tendrils or tentacles emerge from an orifice on the top of the main body, possibly for more fine manipulation. Having never autopsied a Cinquefoil, their organ structure is unknown, but one might hypothesize that it shows similar radial symmetry to their exterior, with most vital organs appearing down a verticle centerline. Given, however, that the interior organs of humans are less reflectively symmetric than our exteriors, it is similarly possibly that the arrangement of Xeno internals is differently organized.
The only encountered Xenos of this race showed extensive cybernetic augmentation and potent combat capabilities. Based on their technology, it can be assumed that most if not all of the Nemesis Xenos possessed psychic capabilities/Immaterium affinity.
-See Artifacts and Technology for details concerning their inventions and methods.
-Current Society Status: Unclear. Though a surviving Cinquefoil was found along side the Nemesis Device, other evidence of their ongoing existence has not been substantiated. It is possibility that the species is largely extinct.
Evidence of Conflict with Powers of Chaos
-That Xenos races have come into conflict with the forces of Chaos and largely avoided association is well established in evidence gained through communication with Explorator and Rogue Trader Fleets permitted to converse with such creatures. Indeed, there are remarkably few cases in which the non-human organisms of the known Galaxy have culturally allied themselves with the Chaos Gods or other Demons, demonstrating that whatever other forms of heresy they may commit on a regular basis, Xenos are possessed of some capacity for self preservation and rationality.
-The Cinquefoils seem to have been among those to more directly challenge the forces of the archenemy, rather than merely avoiding contact. It is in fact due to this aggressive opposition that I had initially termed them the "Nemesis Xenos," as Quint informs me this is the most accurate translation of how the Plaguebearer encountered in the raid to reclaim Bluehull-92 referred to him, upon recognizing the presence of the Artifact embedded in his hand.
-This assessment is further confirmed by the physical and psychic seals holding back a similar "seed" of chaos with Asterion's volcano; all examination of this construction indicates that it was designed and implemented by the Cinquefoils.
-Though this clear animosity has offered some alleviation to my concerns in using the Nemesis Device, it does not exonerate the artifact of potential tech heresy, nor does it entirely contraindicate dangers that may arise from the Device or its creators in the future.
-The Dark Xenos organisms observed fighting alongside the Cutters seem to produce a Null field; if we assume that they too are a race associated with the Cinquefoils, who as psychically active entities would be expected to avoid Blanks on principle, we might conclude that use of such beings is further evidence of action taken against immaterium creatures.
-What we know of Asterii technology and behaviors has led myself and Archmagos Wakes to separately conclude that the Xenos were followers of the Omnissiah, and therefor maybe considered allies to humanity.
-King Quinque has also noted the animosity between the Asterii and the forces of chaos, specifically the plague god Nurgle.
Dreams
Asterii Memories recovered from Dream Storage on the Cathedral; additional memories have been logged but not yet translated. Memories notated as:
Descriptor: [Device] [Location] Description of emotion and sensation.
The First Memory: [Communior] [Heart] Sense of overwhelming joy and accomplishment; building of entourage; coming to a place of holiness and conflict.
Hold the Line: [Augmentor] [Planetside] Part of team of warriors; fighting horrific creatures; hold the line.
Hatred Distilled: [Voiddelver] [Hatred] (Note: dream is "odd" to experience) Observing a projection of tendrils alongside two other delvers; sense of distilled hatred; "what they've been telling us is true."
Failed Operation: [Redressor] [Purity] Disastrous operation on fellow Asterii, or former Asterii; no longer comrade, corrupted, needs to die; others begin the blaze, body consumed by translucent flames.
Maintenance: [Communior] [Heart] Central chamber, while active and lit; commanding the Guardians to perform maintenance; discomfort, unwillingness to remain in the Heart chamber for long.
Nearing End: [Communior] [Unity] End is nearing, message of finality; the war is probably over; the last attack; conflicted; not going to let them win.