Editing Navigator (section)

===The Paternova & Heirs Apparent===
[[File:The fine points of Navigator Paternova succession.jpg|300px|right]]
As mentioned earlier, head honcho of the Navis Nobilite is the '''Paternova'''. Not only are they probably the most grotesquely mutated example of their kind ''(pictures of the Paternova have never been released)'' they are able to exert some kind of influence over the ''entire subspecies'' of Navigator, and are therefore the reason that bloodlines and lineage are so important to the Navis Nobilite.

When the Paternova kicks the bucket (every thousand years or so, give or take a bit) every Navigator in existence will feel the effect, and create a period of anarchy where their powers function inconsistently. Each House will have someone called an '''Heir Apparent''' within their ranks, usually the oldest or most powerful of their number, but not always and they can come from any tier in their society. These Heirs Apparent are affected differently and instead of facing a reduction in powers will start to hulk out, becoming larger and stronger with their natural powers becoming more pronounced.

The Heirs are instinctively drawn into combat with one another to fight in GLORIOUS MACHO COMBAT, only gaining more and more powers and adaptations with each fallen contender until the inevitable Highlander moment when there is only one remaining to claim the prize. In this case the "prize" is the immediate restoration of all Navigator powers everywhere and the enhancement of the abilities of the family that they belong to; most likely bringing with them a considerable increase in prestige and reputation until their own Paternova croaks it.

Because of his importance, the Paternova is said to be the guiding father ''(or mother)'' whose powers transcends the Warp itself. Whether or not this is true, the sheer influence that the Paternova holds over the entire species of Navigators regardless of their position in the galaxy potentially either makes them one of the most significant psychic individuals short of the Emperor himself, or it could be a natural reaction for all Navigators towards having a stable hierarchy, the phenomenon is not well known and has hardly been explored in the fluff. Such is the importance placed on the Heirs Apparent that they treat each other as bitter rivals, and constantly plot to eliminate each other even when the Paternova still lives and breathes, something that perpetuates the ongoing rivalry between the houses. All so that they can increase their chances of claiming the top job if the Paternova drops dead during their lifetimes.