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m (I don't think a random skitarius who dies one chapter after being introduced necessarily qualifies as "Notable")
(→‎Non-Human Skitarii)
 
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==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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"Skitarii" are armies of specially augmented cybernetic warriors sworn to a specific [[Forge World]] and serve alongside the [[Collegia Titanica]] and [[Taghmata Omnissiah]] as the military forces of the Mechanicum.{{Fn|11}} It is a term equivalent to the [[Imperial Guard]] as it generally includes almost all combat personnel and armour that the Mechanicus possesses. Skitarii are also known as '''Tech-Guard''' (or Tech Guard) to outsiders, and the singular form of Skitarii is "Skitarius." The term "Skitarii", however is often used to reference only the augmented infantry.{{Fn|1}}
+
"Skitarii" are armies of specially augmented cybernetic warriors sworn to a specific [[Forge World]] and serve alongside the [[Collegia Titanica]] and [[Taghmata Omnissiah]] as the military forces of the Mechanicum.{{Fn|11}} It is a term equivalent to the [[Imperial Guard]] as it generally includes almost all combat personnel and armour that the Mechanicus possesses. Skitarii are also known as '''Tech-Guard''' (or Tech Guard) to outsiders, and the singular form of Skitarii is "Skitarius." The term "Skitarii", however is often used to reference only the augmented infantry.{{Fn|1}}  
  
−
Skitarii creation is a closely kept secret of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but what is clear is that involves heavy cybernetic augmentation to those with a fanatical faith in the [[Omnissiah]]. While their bodies are more machine than flesh, they are not true [[Servitors]] and still retain independent thought. Those with the highest level of augmentation are known as '''Skitarii Alphas''', a high honor in Skitarii culture. Due to their extensive modification Skitarii can excel and survive in almost any atmosphere.{{Fn|9b}}
+
While their bodies are more machine than flesh, Skitarii are not true [[Servitors]] and still retain independent thought. Those with the highest level of augmentation are known as '''Skitarii Alphas''', a high honor in Skitarii culture. Due to their extensive modification Skitarii can excel and survive in almost any atmosphere.{{Fn|9b}} Skitarii are also known for their near-emotionless nature, a result of both brain surgery and psychological condition.{{Fn|22b}} Because of their conditioning Skitarii are so loyal to their [[Tech-Priest]] masters that they will even blindly kill one another if ordered.{{Fn|19b}}
  
−
Skitarii are often armed with similar equipment to the Imperial Guard, though this can vary massively based on which [[Magos]], Mechanicus Organisation or [[Forge World]] has raised and equipped them. There is little standardisation or central command of Skitarii across the Mechanicus, as each individual regiment is the personal army of a particular Magos. For example, the Skitarii of the [[Titan Legion]] [[Legio Invicta]] are gene-bulked humans with weaponised limbs and augmetic armour{{Fn|4}}, whereas a different type of Skitarii investigated the dead world of [[Tarsis Ultra]], and were seen to be wearing something similar in both function and design to [[Terminator armour]].{{Fn|2}}
+
In battle, Skitarii fight with near-robotic discipline and base their firing vectors and positioning on mathematical formulae guaranteed to bring about maximum success. While the [[Imperial Guard]] focuses on broad sweeping assaults, Skitarii units generally focus on maximizing their strength against vital enemy units and installations.{{Fn|25}} While Skitarii fighters do not require any boost in morale, they do receive regular enhancements from combat drugs that can cause sudden bursts of energy, strength, and regenerative power. However, many of these drugs are extremely dangerous and cause horrific side effects mere minutes after their use.{{Fn|23}}
  
−
They are also the bodyguards of the Adeptus Mechanicus Survey teams. They were present at the First Encounter with the [[Eldar]]. The Eldar of the [[Biel-tan]] [[craftworld]] slaughtered the Skitarii present and only one ship was able to escape, though the crew died from lack of food and oxygen.{{Cite This}}
+
The Skitarii also serve as the bodyguards of the Adeptus Mechanicus Survey teams. They were present at the First Encounter with the [[Eldar]]. The Eldar of the [[Biel-tan]] [[craftworld]] slaughtered the Skitarii present and only one ship was able to escape, though the crew died from lack of food and oxygen.{{Cite This}}
 +
 
 +
===Recruitment and Creation===
 +
Skitarii recruitment follows no universal role. Some Skitarii began as volunteers who were faithful to the [[Cult Mechanicus]]{{Fn|9b}} Others are recruited from the factory workers of [[Forge World]]s.{{Fn|22a}} Some denizens of Forge Worlds are destined to become Skitarii at birth, having been bred from eugenics programs that emphasize strength and aggression.{{Fn|19c}}
 +
 
 +
The process Skitarii creation is a closely kept secret of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but what is clear is that involves heavy cybernetic augmentation to those with a fanatical faith in the [[Omnissiah]].{{Fn|9b}} During the process of conversion into a Skitarii most of their organs and tissue are modified or replaced entirely with circuit, bio-plastic, and metal.{{Fn|26}}
  
 
==Organization==
 
==Organization==
−
[[Image:SkitOrg.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Organization of Skitarii Forces]]
+
[[File:SkitOrg.jpg|thumb|right|200px|Organization of Skitarii Forces]]
 
Each [[Forge World]] of the Mechanicus operates a '''Legion''' of Skitarii. This is in turn divided into a number of '''Macroclades''', which in turn are broken down into 4 '''Cohorts''', each consisting of 3 '''Maniples'''. The vast majority of Skitarii troops are not brought into battle by aircraft or armoured personnel carriers, rather they simply march into battle without stopping even if they have to start the journey months in advance.{{Fn|9a}}
 
Each [[Forge World]] of the Mechanicus operates a '''Legion''' of Skitarii. This is in turn divided into a number of '''Macroclades''', which in turn are broken down into 4 '''Cohorts''', each consisting of 3 '''Maniples'''. The vast majority of Skitarii troops are not brought into battle by aircraft or armoured personnel carriers, rather they simply march into battle without stopping even if they have to start the journey months in advance.{{Fn|9a}}
  
−
==Types of Skitarii==
 
 
Skitarii can also be divided into several types, based on their battlefield role{{Fn|5}}:
 
Skitarii can also be divided into several types, based on their battlefield role{{Fn|5}}:
−
*[[Hyspasists]]: These are the basic tech-guard infantry, and are armed with [[lasgun]]s. They are more augmented than the normal [[Imperial Guardsman]], and may have received emotional-suppression surgery.
+
 
−
*[[Skitarii Vanguard]]: Radiation weapon-equipped infantry
+
===Officers===
−
*[[Skitarii Rangers]]: Hunter-Killers
+
*[[Skitarii Alpha]]: Squad Commanders{{Fn|8}}
−
*[[Sicarian Infiltrators]]: Scouts
+
*[[Skitarii Marshal]]: High-ranking officer{{Fn|28}}
−
*[[Sicarian Ruststalkers]]: Assassins
+
*[[Master of Skitarii]]: The commander of a Skitarii brigade.{{Fn|7}}
 +
*[[Secutarii Axiarch]]: Skitarii officers used by the [[Collegia Titanica]]'s [[Titan Guard]].
 +
 
 +
===Infantry===
 +
*[[Hyspasists]]: These are the basic tech-guard infantry, and are armed with [[lasgun]]s. They are more augmented than the normal [[Imperial Guardsman]], and may have received emotional-suppression surgery.{{Fn|19a}}
 +
*[[Skitarii Vanguard]]: Radiation weapon-equipped infantry.{{Fn|9c}}
 +
*[[Skitarii Rangers]]: Hunter-Killers.{{Fn|9c}}
 +
*[[Sicarian Infiltrators]]: Scouts.{{Fn|9c}}
 +
*[[Sicarian Ruststalkers]]: Assassins.{{Fn|9c}}
 +
*[[Pteraxii]]: Winged infantry{{Fn|27}}
 
*[[Protector]]: Used as bodyguards by Mechanicum [[Tech-Priest]]s.{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Protector]]: Used as bodyguards by Mechanicum [[Tech-Priest]]s.{{Fn|10}}
−
*[[Secutarii Axiarch]]: Skitarii officers used by the [[Collegia Titanica]]'s [[Titan Guard]]
+
*[[Secutarii Hoplites]]: Skitarii warriors used by the [[Collegia Titanica]]'s [[Titan Guard]].{{Fn|31}}
−
*[[Secutarii Hoplites]]: Skitarii warriors used by the [[Collegia Titanica]]'s [[Titan Guard]]
+
*[[Secutarii Peltasts]]: Skitarii warriors used by the [[Collegia Titanica]]'s [[Titan Guard]].{{Fn|31}}
−
*[[Secutarii Peltasts]]: Skitarii warriors used by the [[Collegia Titanica]]'s [[Titan Guard]]
+
*[[Sagitarii]]: These are the heavy weapon operatives. These only include dedicated heavy weapons squads, as heavy weapons attached to Hyspasist squads are still called Hyspasists.{{Fn|32}}
−
*[[Sagitarii]]: These are the heavy weapon operatives. These only include dedicated heavy weapons squads, as heavy weapons attached to Hyspasist squads are still called Hyspasists.
 
 
*[[Skitarii Provost]]: Internal Security troops used to maintain order on Mechanicum Worlds.{{Fn|14}}
 
*[[Skitarii Provost]]: Internal Security troops used to maintain order on Mechanicum Worlds.{{Fn|14}}
−
*[[Balisteria]]: These are the artillery units. The range of artillery goes from [[Thudd gun]]s to the massive [[Ordinatus]] pieces. This includes both the vehicle/machine, as well as the crews manning them.
+
*[[Skitarii Aquis]]: Aquatic warfare specialists.{{Fn|29}}
−
*[[Cataphractii (Skitarii)|Cataphractii]]: These are the armour units. The range of armour goes from small transports to heavy walkers and superheavy tanks such as [[Baneblade]]s.
+
*[[Sydonian Skatros]] - Snipers{{Fn|30}}
−
*[[Praetorian_Servitors|Praetorians]]: These are the elite of the Skitarii. They are super-enhanced (bionically/cybernetically/chemically/genetically etc) humans who are augmented with a huge array of cybernetics and heavy weapons. They are, essentially, a sort of counterpart to [[Obliterator]]s. However, many old sources also suggest that Praetorians are instead an elite Skitarii type following the fashion of Imperial Guard [[stormtrooper]] units, but with slightly more augmentations, putting them somewhere "between" storm troopers and [[Space Marines]]. All of these are completely plausible, and based on the preferences of the Magi who build them.{{Fn|*}}
+
 
 +
===Elite===
 +
*[[Skitarii Praetorian|Praetorians]]: These are the elite of the Skitarii. They are super-enhanced (bionically/cybernetically/chemically/genetically etc) humans who are augmented with a huge array of cybernetics and heavy weapons. They are, essentially, a sort of counterpart to [[Obliterator]]s. However, many old sources also suggest that Praetorians are instead an elite Skitarii type following the fashion of Imperial Guard [[stormtrooper]] units, but with slightly more augmentations, putting them somewhere "between" storm troopers and [[Space Marines]]. All of these are completely plausible, and based on the preferences of the Magi who build them.{{Fn|Conflicting sources}}
 
*'''Skitarii Mandragora''': Elite Skitarii that serve as the bodyguards of the [[Fabricator-General]] of [[Mars]].{{Fn|13}}
 
*'''Skitarii Mandragora''': Elite Skitarii that serve as the bodyguards of the [[Fabricator-General]] of [[Mars]].{{Fn|13}}
 +
*[[Tribune (Skitarii)|Tribune]]s: Elite forces.{{Fn|19a}}
 +
 +
===Cavalry===
 +
*[[Ironstrider Ballistarius|Ironstrider Ballistarii]]{{Cite this}}
 +
*[[Serberys Raider]]s{{Fn|27}}
 +
*[[Serberys Sulphurhound]]s{{Fn|27}}
 +
*[[Sydonian Dragoon]]s{{Cite this}}
 +
 +
===Other===
 +
*[[Balisteria]]: Artillery units. The range of artillery goes from [[Thudd gun]]s to the massive [[Ordinatus]] pieces. This includes both the vehicle/machine, as well as the crews manning them.{{Cite this}}
 +
*[[Cataphractii (Skitarii)|Cataphractii]]: Armour units. The range of armour goes from small transports to heavy walkers and superheavy tanks, such as [[Baneblade]]s.{{Fn|19a}}
  
−
*[[Skitarii Alpha]]: Squad Commanders{{Fn|8}}
+
==Non-Human Skitarii==
−
*[[Tribunes]]: These are the Skitarii officers. Though all skitarii bow to the authority of Adeptus Mechanicus Magi and Archmagi, these are all personnel of high ranking roles. The skitarii have low-level leadership roles, and these are filled by the tribunes.
+
Skitarii can and have been created from [[Mutant]] and [[Xenos]] stock. Depending on the overseeing [[Magos]]'s level of desperation and orthodoxy, such troops can be considered either flirting with [[Heretek|tech-heresy]] or firmly over the line. [[Explorator]] Magos [[Caul]] on [[Phaedra]], for example, believed himself still loyal to the Mechanicus while simultaneously creating Skitarii maniples drawn mostly from the sanctioned mutants known as the [[Saathlaa]], lead by a Skitarii Alpha built from a mind-wiped [[T'au]].{{Fn|33}}{{Fn|34}}
−
*[[Master of Skitarii]]: The commander of a Skitarii brigade.{{Fn|7}}
 
  
 
==Equipment==
 
==Equipment==
 
*{{Main|Adeptus Mechanicus Armoury}}
 
*{{Main|Adeptus Mechanicus Armoury}}
−
The Skitarii generally have more advanced weaponry and equipment than their [[Imperial Guard]] equivalents, due to the technological expertise of their [[Techpriest]] masters. [[Bionics]] are quite common and devices such as weapon links and sensory feeds are also common amongst them.
+
The Skitarii generally have more advanced weaponry and equipment than their [[Imperial Guard]] equivalents, due to the technological expertise of their [[Techpriest]] masters. [[Bionics]] are quite common and devices such as weapon links and sensory feeds are also common amongst them.  
 +
 
 +
The equipment can vary massively based on which [[Magos]], Mechanicus Organisation or [[Forge World]] has raised and equipped them. There is little standardisation or central command of Skitarii across the Mechanicus, as each individual regiment is the personal army of a particular Magos. For example, the Skitarii of the [[Titan Legion]] [[Legio Invicta]] are gene-bulked humans with weaponised limbs and augmetic armour{{Fn|4}}, whereas a different type of Skitarii investigated the dead world of [[Tarsis Ultra]], and were seen to be wearing something similar in both function and design to [[Terminator armour]].{{Fn|2}}
  
−
Due to their substantial bionic enhancements, Skitarii are capable of marching for periods far beyond standard humans. [[Skitarii Ranger]]s can hunt for decades on end. Thus most Skitarii forego the use of armored transports, finding them redundant.{{Fn|9c}}
+
Due to their substantial bionic enhancements, Skitarii are capable of marching for periods far beyond standard humans. [[Skitarii Ranger]]s can hunt for decades on end. Thus most Skitarii forego the use of armored transports, finding them redundant.{{Fn|9c}} Despite often going on foot, they nonetheless operate an array of vehicles which include [[Rhino]]s{{Fn|15}}, [[Chimera]]s,{{Fn|18}}, [[Skorpius Dunerider]]s{{Fn|16}}, [[Skorpius Disintegrator]]s{{Fn|16}}, [[Triaros|Triaros Armored Conveyor]]s{{Fn|17}}, [[Leman Russ Battle Tank]]s{{Fn|20b}}, [[Malcador Heavy Tank]]{{Fn|19a}}, and [[Hydra Flak Tank]]{{Fn|19}}. Combat walkers include the [[Onager Dunecrawler]], [[Black Widow]]{{Fn|20a}}, and [[Ironstrider Engine]].{{Fn|9d}} They also operate air units which include [[Thunderbolt Fighter]]s and [[Vulture Gunship]]s{{Fn|19a}} as well as [[Archaeopter]]s.{{Fn|21}}
  
 
==Notable Skitarii==
 
==Notable Skitarii==
Line 54: Line 80:
 
*[[Klayden]]
 
*[[Klayden]]
 
*[[Rho-mu 31]]
 
*[[Rho-mu 31]]
 +
*[[Transacta-7Y1]]
  
 
==Images==
 
==Images==
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
 
<gallery mode="packed" heights="200">
−
SkitariiWarrior.jpg|Skitarii Warrior{{Fn|1}}
+
SkitariiWarrior.jpg|Skitarii [[Protector]]{{Fn|1}}
 +
SkitRangerArt.jpg|[[Skitarii Ranger]]s{{Fn|9c}}
 
Skitarii.jpg|Skitarii{{Fn|6}}
 
Skitarii.jpg|Skitarii{{Fn|6}}
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
  
−
==Canon Conflicts==
+
==Trivia==
−
In [[Andy Chambers]]'s [[Deus ex Mechanicus (Short Story)]], Praetorians are in fact [[servitor]]s, rather than living humans. They move on tank treads and are armed with powerful weaponry, such as [[plasma cannon]]s.{{Fn|3}}
+
{{Trivia}}
 +
*The word "Skitarii" likely derives from ''scitari'', Latin for "to seek to know; to ask, to inquire."
  
−
==Related Publications==
+
==={{Endn|Conflicting sources}}===
−
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus: Skitarius (Novel)]], by [[Rob Sanders]]
+
*In [[Andy Chambers]]'s short story ''[[Deus ex Mechanicus (Short Story)|Deus ex Mechanicus]]'', Praetorians are in fact [[servitor]]s, rather than living humans. They move on tank treads and are armed with powerful weaponry, such as [[plasma cannon]]s.{{Fn|3}}
−
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus: Vanguard (Short Story)]], by [[Peter Fehervari]]
 
−
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus: The Zheng Cipher (Short Story)]], by [[Josh Reynolds]]
 
  
−
==Related Articles==
+
==See also==
 +
===Related Articles===
 
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus Armoury]]
 
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus Armoury]]
 +
*[[Servitor]]
  
−
{{cite}}
+
===Related products===
 +
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus: Skitarius (Novel)]]
 +
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus: Vanguard (Short Story)]]
 +
*[[Adeptus Mechanicus: The Zheng Cipher (Short Story)]]
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
 +
{{cite}}
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 122
 
*{{Endn|1}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 4th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 122
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[The Heraclitus Effect (Short Story)]]
 
*{{Endn|2}}: [[The Heraclitus Effect (Short Story)]]
Line 83: Line 116:
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Know No Fear (Novel)]], ''Absolute//Overwhelm'', Part 2, pg. 128
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Know No Fear (Novel)]], ''Absolute//Overwhelm'', Part 2, pg. 128
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Skitarii-Vanguard Games Workshop]
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [http://www.games-workshop.com/en-US/Skitarii-Vanguard Games Workshop]
−
*9: [[Codex: Skitarii (7th Edition)]]
+
*9: [[Codex: Skitarii (7th Edition)]]:
−
**{{Endn|9a}}: pg.12
+
**{{Endn|9a}}: pg. 12
−
**{{Endn|9b}}: pg.8
+
**{{Endn|9b}}: pg. 8
−
**{{Endn|9c}}: pg.26
+
**{{Endn|9c}}: pgs. 24-26
 +
**{{Endn|9d}}: pg. 30
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Mechanicum (Novel)]], {{cite this}}
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[Mechanicum (Novel)]], {{cite this}}
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [[ The Horus Heresy Book Three - Extermination]], pgs. 200–205
 
*{{Endn|11}}: [[ The Horus Heresy Book Three - Extermination]], pgs. 200–205
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Codex: Cult Mechanicus (7th Edition)]] — ''The Cult Mechanicus''
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[Codex: Cult Mechanicus (7th Edition)]] — ''The Cult Mechanicus''
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[The Lost and the Damned (Novel)]], Chapter 8
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[The Lost and the Damned (Novel)]], Chapter 8
−
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Rulebook]], pg. 134
+
*{{Endn|14}}: [[Dark Heresy: The Inquisitor's Handbook]], pg. 134
 +
*{{Endn|15}}: [[Gods of Mars (Novel)]], Chapter 17
 +
*{{Endn|16}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/05/10/warhammer-fest-uk-2019-live-bloggw-homepage-post-3fw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Fest UK 2019: Live Blog] (last accessed 11 May 2019)
 +
*{{Endn|17}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Three]], pg. 224
 +
*{{Endn|18}}: [[White Dwarf 185 (UK)]], "Chimera Assault!"
 +
*{{Endn|19}}: [[Titanicus (Novel)]] - ''101''
 +
**{{Endn|19a}}: ''1000''
 +
**{{Endn|19b}}: 15
 +
**{{Endn|19c}}: 8
 +
*20: [[Gods of Mars (Novel)]]
 +
**{{Endn|20a}}: Chapter 17
 +
**{{Endn|20b}}: Chapter 19
 +
*{{Endn|21}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2019/11/30/reveals-from-the-warhammer-40000-open-daygw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: Reveals From the Warhammer 40,000 Open Day! (Posted on 30/11/2019)] (Last accessed 30 November 2019)
 +
*22: [[Dark Adeptus (Novel)]]:
 +
**{{Endn|22a}}: Chapter 4
 +
**{{Endn|22b}}: Chapter 7
 +
*{{Endn|23}}: [[Fallen Angels (Novel)]], Chapter 17
 +
*{{Endn|24}}: [[Soul Drinker (Novel)]], Chapter 11
 +
*{{Endn|25}}: [[Priests of Mars (Novel)]], Chapter 11
 +
*{{Endn|26}}: [[The Horus Heresy Book Seven]], pg. 286
 +
*{{Endn|27}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2020/01/24/from-aelves-to-zoats-previews-from-lvogw-homepage-post-1fw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: From Aelves to Zoats – Previews from LVO (Posted January 24 2020)] (last accessed 1/24/2020)
 +
*{{Endn|28}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/03/20/warhammer-preview-online-faith-damnation/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Preview Online – Faith & Damnation (Posted on 20/03/2021)] (Last accessed on 20 March, 2021)
 +
*{{Endn|29}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2021/12/17/tridents-harpoons-and-very-large-spears-learn-to-fish-with-these-aquatic-imperial-knights/ Warhammer Community: Tridents, Harpoons, and Very Large Spears: Learn to Fish with these Aquatic Imperial Knights (Posted on 17/12/2021)] ''(last accessed 17th September 2023)''
 +
*{{Endn|30}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/10/14/warhammer-day-preview-the-sydonian-skatros-pops-into-view-alongside-codex-adeptus-mechanicus/ Warhammer Community: Warhammer Day Preview – The Sydonian Skatros Pops Into View Alongside Codex: Adeptus Mechanicus (Posted on 14/10/2023)] (Last accessed on 14/10/2023)
 +
*{{Endn|31}}: [[Liber Mechanicum]], pg. 67
 +
*{{Endn|32}}: [[Citadel Journal 21]], pg. 5
 +
*{{Endn|33}}: [[Fire Caste (Novel)]], ch. 8
 +
*{{Endn|34}}: [[Adeptus Mechanicus: Vanguard (Short Story)]]
  
 
<br>
 
<br>
 
{{MechanicusTroops}}
 
{{MechanicusTroops}}
  
 +
[[Category:Imperial Armed Forces]]
 
[[Category:Troops (Adeptus Mechanicus)]]
 
[[Category:Troops (Adeptus Mechanicus)]]
−
[[Category:Imperial Armed Forces]]
 
  
 
[[de:Skitarii]]
 
[[de:Skitarii]]
 
[[fr:Skitarii]]
 
[[fr:Skitarii]]

Latest revision as of 18:13, 1 February 2024

Machina Opus.png Adeptus Mechanicus Portal
Targetdrone.gif This article is about the Adeptus Mechanicus troops; for the novel by Rob Sanders, see Adeptus Mechanicus: Skitarius (Novel).
Symbol of the Skitarii
Skitarii Soldier

The Skitarii are the cyborg armies of the Adeptus Mechanicus and its primary military force alongside the Collegia Titanica and Cult Mechanicus Battle Congregations.[12]

The military forces of the Skitarii are known as the Legiones Skitarii.[12]

Overview

"Skitarii" are armies of specially augmented cybernetic warriors sworn to a specific Forge World and serve alongside the Collegia Titanica and Taghmata Omnissiah as the military forces of the Mechanicum.[11] It is a term equivalent to the Imperial Guard as it generally includes almost all combat personnel and armour that the Mechanicus possesses. Skitarii are also known as Tech-Guard (or Tech Guard) to outsiders, and the singular form of Skitarii is "Skitarius." The term "Skitarii", however is often used to reference only the augmented infantry.[1]

While their bodies are more machine than flesh, Skitarii are not true Servitors and still retain independent thought. Those with the highest level of augmentation are known as Skitarii Alphas, a high honor in Skitarii culture. Due to their extensive modification Skitarii can excel and survive in almost any atmosphere.[9b] Skitarii are also known for their near-emotionless nature, a result of both brain surgery and psychological condition.[22b] Because of their conditioning Skitarii are so loyal to their Tech-Priest masters that they will even blindly kill one another if ordered.[19b]

In battle, Skitarii fight with near-robotic discipline and base their firing vectors and positioning on mathematical formulae guaranteed to bring about maximum success. While the Imperial Guard focuses on broad sweeping assaults, Skitarii units generally focus on maximizing their strength against vital enemy units and installations.[25] While Skitarii fighters do not require any boost in morale, they do receive regular enhancements from combat drugs that can cause sudden bursts of energy, strength, and regenerative power. However, many of these drugs are extremely dangerous and cause horrific side effects mere minutes after their use.[23]

The Skitarii also serve as the bodyguards of the Adeptus Mechanicus Survey teams. They were present at the First Encounter with the Eldar. The Eldar of the Biel-tan craftworld slaughtered the Skitarii present and only one ship was able to escape, though the crew died from lack of food and oxygen.[Needs Citation]

Recruitment and Creation

Skitarii recruitment follows no universal role. Some Skitarii began as volunteers who were faithful to the Cult Mechanicus[9b] Others are recruited from the factory workers of Forge Worlds.[22a] Some denizens of Forge Worlds are destined to become Skitarii at birth, having been bred from eugenics programs that emphasize strength and aggression.[19c]

The process Skitarii creation is a closely kept secret of the Adeptus Mechanicus, but what is clear is that involves heavy cybernetic augmentation to those with a fanatical faith in the Omnissiah.[9b] During the process of conversion into a Skitarii most of their organs and tissue are modified or replaced entirely with circuit, bio-plastic, and metal.[26]

Organization

Organization of Skitarii Forces

Each Forge World of the Mechanicus operates a Legion of Skitarii. This is in turn divided into a number of Macroclades, which in turn are broken down into 4 Cohorts, each consisting of 3 Maniples. The vast majority of Skitarii troops are not brought into battle by aircraft or armoured personnel carriers, rather they simply march into battle without stopping even if they have to start the journey months in advance.[9a]

Skitarii can also be divided into several types, based on their battlefield role[5]:

Officers

Infantry

Elite

  • Praetorians: These are the elite of the Skitarii. They are super-enhanced (bionically/cybernetically/chemically/genetically etc) humans who are augmented with a huge array of cybernetics and heavy weapons. They are, essentially, a sort of counterpart to Obliterators. However, many old sources also suggest that Praetorians are instead an elite Skitarii type following the fashion of Imperial Guard stormtrooper units, but with slightly more augmentations, putting them somewhere "between" storm troopers and Space Marines. All of these are completely plausible, and based on the preferences of the Magi who build them.[Conflicting sources]
  • Skitarii Mandragora: Elite Skitarii that serve as the bodyguards of the Fabricator-General of Mars.[13]
  • Tribunes: Elite forces.[19a]

Cavalry

Other

Non-Human Skitarii

Skitarii can and have been created from Mutant and Xenos stock. Depending on the overseeing Magos's level of desperation and orthodoxy, such troops can be considered either flirting with tech-heresy or firmly over the line. Explorator Magos Caul on Phaedra, for example, believed himself still loyal to the Mechanicus while simultaneously creating Skitarii maniples drawn mostly from the sanctioned mutants known as the Saathlaa, lead by a Skitarii Alpha built from a mind-wiped T'au.[33][34]

Equipment

The Skitarii generally have more advanced weaponry and equipment than their Imperial Guard equivalents, due to the technological expertise of their Techpriest masters. Bionics are quite common and devices such as weapon links and sensory feeds are also common amongst them.

The equipment can vary massively based on which Magos, Mechanicus Organisation or Forge World has raised and equipped them. There is little standardisation or central command of Skitarii across the Mechanicus, as each individual regiment is the personal army of a particular Magos. For example, the Skitarii of the Titan Legion Legio Invicta are gene-bulked humans with weaponised limbs and augmetic armour[4], whereas a different type of Skitarii investigated the dead world of Tarsis Ultra, and were seen to be wearing something similar in both function and design to Terminator armour.[2]

Due to their substantial bionic enhancements, Skitarii are capable of marching for periods far beyond standard humans. Skitarii Rangers can hunt for decades on end. Thus most Skitarii forego the use of armored transports, finding them redundant.[9c] Despite often going on foot, they nonetheless operate an array of vehicles which include Rhinos[15], Chimeras,[18], Skorpius Duneriders[16], Skorpius Disintegrators[16], Triaros Armored Conveyors[17], Leman Russ Battle Tanks[20b], Malcador Heavy Tank[19a], and Hydra Flak Tank[19]. Combat walkers include the Onager Dunecrawler, Black Widow[20a], and Ironstrider Engine.[9d] They also operate air units which include Thunderbolt Fighters and Vulture Gunships[19a] as well as Archaeopters.[21]

Notable Skitarii

Images

Trivia

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The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

  • The word "Skitarii" likely derives from scitari, Latin for "to seek to know; to ask, to inquire."

Conflicting sources

See also

Related Articles

Related products

Sources

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Adeptus Mechanicus Forces
Command
Troops
Robots Castellan • Colossus • Cataphract • Crusader • Conqueror • Vorax • Hunter-Killer • Thanatar • Scyllax Guardian • Kastelan • Domitar • Arlatax • Vultarax • Warrior
Walkers Sydonian Dragoon • Ironstrider Ballistarius • Onager Dunecrawler • Iron Angel • Black Widow • Serberys Sulphurhounds • Serberys Raiders • Atrax
Vehicles Skorpius Disintegrator • Skorpius Dunerider • Krios • Triaros • Karacnos • Land Raider • Leman Russ (Demolisher) • Hellhound • Malcador • Rhino • Chimera • Macrocarid Explorator • Ordo Reductor Artillery Tank • Griffon • Minotaur • Chimerax • Chimedon • Chimerro • Hydra
Super-Heavy Vehicles
Knights Paladin • Errant • Crusader • Warden • Gallant • Lancer • Castigator • Acheron • Magaera • Styrix • Atrapos • Porphyrion • Asterius • Warglaive • Helverin • Moirax • Valiant • Castellan • Perceptor
Titans Emperor • Warmaster (Iconoclast) • Warlord (Warlord-Sinister) • Siege Titan • Apocalypse • Warbringer Nemesis • Reaver • Warhound • Rapier • Punisher
Aircraft

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