#redirect {{Otheruses|USE=Current iteration of the Squat species|OTHERUSE=Original Squat iteration|OTHERPAGE=Squats (Rogue Trader)}}{{LOVPortal}}[[Image:KinArt.jpg|thumb|right|300px|A Kin of the [[Leagues of Votann]]{{Fn|1g}}]]'''Kin''', also known by the [[Imperial]] pejorative of '''Squats''' or ''Homo Sapien Rotundus''{{Fn|2}}, are an [[Abhuman]] species predominate in the [[Galactic Core]]. They exist in a variety of civilizations, most notably the [[Leagues of Votann]]{{Fn|1a}} but also including the [[Ironhead Prospector]]s of [[Necromunda (Planet)|Necromunda]].{{Fn|3}} ==History==The Kin (as they refer to themselves) share a likely share a common origin with that of [[Humanity]], having almost certainly originated from pre-Imperial [[Terra]] in the ancient past. It is said that during this time, mining explorers and settlers known as the [[First Ancestors]] set out for the [[Galactic Core]] in Generation Ships from what was almost certainly pre-[[Imperial]] [[Terra]]. Seeking its great wealth, these fleets left with highly advanced [[Artificial Intelligence]]s known as [[Votann Ancestor Core]]s in order to provide them with all the wisdom and aid they would require in their mission.{{Fn|1a}} Thanks to their advance [[Cloneskein]] technology, the Kin were rapidly able to adapt to the conditions of the galactic core, creating a race physically stronger and more robust than that of a standard human, as well as more resistant to the mutating powers of the [[Warp]]. As the fleets settled within the Core [[Hold]]s soon sprang up and the burgeoning civilization reaped the immense wealth of their new home. Soon enough, a mercantile confederation dubbed the [[Leagues of Votann]] formed, and it spent the long millennia settling the immense sprawl of the core and exploiting its boundless riches.{{Fn|1a}} During their long history, the Kin have been content to remain largely within the bounds of the galactic core, but have nonetheless had interactions with various civilizations and races over the millennia. Seeking not only new opportunities for wealth but also information to share with their Votann Ancestor Core, [[Prospects|Prospector Fleets]] were sent out into the wider Galaxy. The Kin of these fleets have since fought in mercenaries in the wars of other species, returning only when they have gathered knowledge and experience fit to offer their Ancestor Core. This has led to much confusion for other races of the Galaxy, who often do not understand the scale of origin of Kin civilization. Many Prospect fleets have been dismissed as a minor alien civilization in and of themselves. The Kin have been misidentified in this way as the [[Demiurg]] to the [[Tau]], '''Heliosi Ancients''' to the [[Eldar]], the [[Gnostari]], and [[Kreg]].{{Fn|1a}} On the Imperial world of [[Necromunda (Planet)|Necromunda]], Kin have formed the [[Ironhead Prospector]] civilization.{{Fn|3}}[[Image:SquatArtNew3.jpg|thumb|right|120px|Various Kin{{Fn|1b}}]]Since the formation of the [[Great Rift]], large amounts of Kin have been forced to leave their ancestral homes in the galactic core in order to find safety and stability.{{Fn|1}} ==Physiology==As the Imperial pejorative of Squat suggests, Kin are short and stout humanoids who nonetheless are strong, sturdy, and resilient. This is thanks to genetic templates dubbed [[Cloneskein]]s, which have granted the Kin a variety of physical land spiritual abilities. Kin also have higher red and white blood cell counts, and formidable strength and resilience. Other Cloneskeins impart enhanced reaction times, infa-red vision, or limited resistance to extreme temperatures, gravity, and radiation. Many Cloneskeins manifest physically, whether it be unusually colored eyes or skin, craggy subdermal layers, chemical body odors, or various other giveaways.{{Fn|1b}} New Kin are spawned in cloning vats dubbed [[Crucible]]s, already emerging mostly grown and mentally developed with their base level of knowledge for their tasks ahead.{{Fn|4}} Kin souls shine dimly within the [[Warp]], giving them a natural advantage in resisting the powers of [[Chaos]]. Thus there are no true [[Psyker]]s within Kin society, but they have developed [[Barrier-Tech]] in order to utilize limited warp-based abilities.{{Fn|1b}}[[Image:Ironhead Squat Prospector.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A Kin of the [[Necromunda (Planet)|Necromunda]] [[Ironhead Prospector]]s{{Fn|6a}}]]When a Kin dies, their physical remains usually are sent to rejoin their [[Ancestor Core]], which absorbs their accumulated neural information gathered over their lifetime. These are viewed as highly sacred offerings, and all Kin hope to one day have their absorbed knowledge prove useful to their Votann. This is a major motivation for Kin to journey out beyond the Core, in order to discover new things that one day can be assimilated by their Ancestor Core.{{Fn|1c}} ==Culture and Society==All Kin - barring only rare outcasts - belong to extended familial and biological groupings dubbed [[Kindred (Leagues of Votann)|Kindred]]. Kindreds dwell within their [[Hold]]s, which in turn are ruled by [[Hearthspake]] councils while [[Kâhl]]s serve as their military commanders. Nearly all Kindred are in turn pledged to a wider mercantile-military conglomerate dubbed a [[League (Votann)|League]], which at the core of each is a precious [[Ancestor Core]]. There are other sub-units of Kin society, such as professional groupings dubbed [[Guild (Leagues of Votann)|Guild]]s.{{Fn|1c}} Culturally, Kin are known for their stubbornness, conservative outlook, and desire to accumulate wealth. However they also are extremely loyal and known to put familial duties and obligations above all else.{{Fn|1c}} Ancestors are highly revered within Kin society, to the point of being revered as their equivalent of a religion. Some Leagues, like the [[Trans-Hyperian Alliance]], pursue their duties with an almost religious fanaticism.{{Fn|1d}} Kin are renowned for their ability to hold a grudge, even forming military units dubbed [[Grudgeband]]s in order to settle scores with those who have crossed them.{{Fn|1a}} So conservative are the Kin that certain truisms and idioms have found universal acceptance. These are dubbed '''Truths''', and are treated as articles of sincere good sense that are loaded with more nuance and meaning than is immediately apparent. The most common of these is the frequent Kin saying "The Ancestors are Watching", which often doubles as a battle-cry. One interpretation of this Truth is that all generations who have gone before are judging the deeds of the living, who must strive their hardest to live up to their ancestors. Yet equally, this Truth can remind the Kin that their Ancestors live on in every new generation and they are never truly alone. There are many other Truths, from describing useless objects or foolish schemes as a "prize for an Ork", to encompassing the depth's of their race's space-faring prowess as "The void is in our veins".{{Fn|1a}} While a cloning-based society that is larger in number to the [[Tau]] or [[Eldar]], the Kin as a race still pale in comparison to the masses of Humanity. However their numbers are augmented by artificial beings dubbed [[Ironkin]], who sport advanced [[Artificial Intelligence]] and are fully integrated members of Kin society.{{Fn|1c}}[[Image:SquatNecromunda.jpg|thumb|right|220px|A Kin mercenary{{Fn|7}}]]For naming conventions, each Kin has a first given name and a second chosen name. The given name is determined by their [[Crucible (Leagues of Votann)|Crucible]] of birth and is given moments before their emergence. This name cannot be changed, for it is seen as the will of the Ancestors. Only [[Ironkin]] are permitted to choose their own given names. Meanwhile, a chosen name is something a Kin may choose for themselves and are free to change at will. It may incorporate some component of the names of their [[Kindred (Leagues of Votann)|Kindred]], [[Hold]], or [[League (Votann)|Votann]]. Others choose their names based on their institutions, reputation, or their family names.{{Fn|1e}} ==Technology==Kin technology shares a common origin with that of humanity, being broadly derived from the same [[STC]] patterns as those used by the modern Imperium. Just like the Imperium, the Kin utilize [[Bolter]]s{{Fn|5}}, [[Autogun]]s{{Fn|6b}}, [[Laser Weapon]]s, [[Plasma Gun]]s{{Fn|5}}, [[Power Armour]]{{Fn|1f}}, [[Warp Drive]]s{{Fn|4}}, and [[Gellar Field]]s.{{Fn|4}} However, Kin designs are of superior build and effectiveness to their Imperial counterparts and they possess a greater understanding of their own technology compared to that of baseline humanity.{{Fn|5}} Just like the Imperium, the Kin are fully capable of [[FTL]] travel through the [[Warp]]. However unlike the Imperium, which utilizes psychic [[Navigator]]s, the Kin chart a path through the empyrean with [[Ironkin]] dubbed [[Wayfinder]]s. This allows for faster and less hazardous warp journeys compared to their Imperial counterparts.{{Fn|1b}} In place of [[Astropath]]s seen in the Imperium, the Kin utilize near-instantaneous communication relays on their [[Fane]]s.{{Fn|8}} The Kin do not have the same taboo regarding robotics and artificial intelligence as their Imperial cousins, leading to the development of advanced sapient artificial beings such as [[Ironkin]].{{Fn|1a}} ==Sources==*{{Endn|1}}: [[Codex: Leagues of Votann (9th Edition)]]**{{Endn|1a}}: pgs. 6-10**{{Endn|1b}}: pgs. 11-13**{{Endn|1c}}: pgs. 14-16**{{Endn|1d}}: pg. 29**{{Endn|1e}}: pg. 71**{{Endn|1f}}: pg. 20**{{Endn|1g}}: *{{Endn|2}}: [[Warhammer 40,000 6th Edition Rulebook]], pg. 405*{{Endn|3}}: [[Necromunda: Halls of the Ancients]], pg. 16*{{Endn|4}}: [[The High Kâhl's Oath (Novel)]] - Chapters 4-5*{{Endn|5}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2022/05/20/lore-of-the-votann-ancient-quasi-divine-machine-intellects-make-for-decent-gunsmiths-it-turns-out/ Warhammer Community: Lore of the Votann – Ancient Quasi-divine Machine Intellects Make for Decent Gunsmiths, it Turns Out (posted 20/5/2022)] (last accessed 20/5/2022)*{{Endn|6}}: [[Necromunda: Book of the Outlands]]**{{Endn|6a}}: pg. 24**{{Endn|6b}}: pg. 92*{{Endn|7}}: [https://www.warhammer-community.com/2018/02/03/news-horus-heresy-necromunda-weekendergw-homepage-post-1/ Warhammer Community: News from the Horus Heresy & Necromunda Weekender (posted 03 February 2018)] ''(last accessed 22 February 2020)'' [[Category:Abhumans and Mutants]][[Category:Leagues of Votann]][[Category:Squats]]
