The Ordo Xenos are
one of the three Ordos of the Inquisition, faced with counteracting the
threat of alien species. Their military arm is the Alienhunters who use the
Deathwatch.
Foundation
The Ordo Xenos was set up by the Emperor shortly before the Great Crusade.
Role
They were creasted to investigate and study alien races, and destroy any
that were deemed to be a threat to humanity. This jurisdiction has been
expanded to any members of the Imperium that deal with aliens, trade in
their technology, or seek to hide alien species from the armies of the
Imperium. Inquisitors of the Ordo Xenos are devoted to their cause, and are
amongst the greatest forces that can be arrayed against an alien species.
Armed with the best human and alien technology available, extremely
knowledgeable about their foe, and filled with hatred for non-human species,
the Ordo Xenos can respond to any alien threat. Their tactics vary depending
on the situation and level of alien taint revealed. Where the threat is
subtle they will use guile and stealth, wielding their power as if a scalpel
used to cut out a cancer. When the alien menace is great, the Inquisitor can
enlist the aid of entire regiments of Imperial Guard and Space Marines. When
the threat is too great for even these to handle, the Inquisitor will call
on the elite battle-brothers of the Deathwatch.
The Deathwatch
The Deathwatch is a unique force of Space Marines, except rather than a
designated Chapter providing troops, single warriors from many different
Chapters are requisitioned in order to make an increadably powerful fighting
force.
Games Workshop has yet to release a Codex for the Deathwatch and as such
they are not a common site on the battlefield. Eventually, the Deathwatch
may form part of the Alienhunters Codex, in a similar way to the Adepta
Sororitas and the Witchhunters and the Grey Knights with the Daemonhunters.
