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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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→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}}
Skitarii are often created from menials or vat-born humans. They are sometimes inducted into the legions from other sources as needed, such as from refugee populations. Each skitarius taking the [[Vows of Integration]] whilst kneeling in supplication to their new master within the Cult Mechanicus. However, those coming from alternative origins might be viewed as inferior by their cyborg peers. The majority of a legion's troops often consist of elevated-menials and vat-born individuals.{{Fn|51}} Forge World menials who suffer significant injuries are sometimes turned into skitarii, either that or a [[servitor]]. Regardless, some menials who desire greatness, but are lack the skill or opportunity to become a [[tech-adept]], instead seek out becoming horrendously injured in the hopes of becoming a warrior of the Omnissiah.{{Fn|7}} Some skitarii have their memories prior to their induction into the legions purged.{{Fn|51}}
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}} Their masters refashion their bodies, replacing fallible ligaments and flesh with titanium servo-motors and bionic musculature.{{Fn|39}} 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}} With few exceptions, Skitarii have pallid bodies of puckered flesh and sutured cybernetics. Ceramic valves and adamantium sockets stud their hard knots of sun-starved and translucent muscle. In imitation (so some tech priests believe) of the ancient cohorts that first ground their limbs into stumps upon the dunes of Mars, the Skitarii's lower legs are replaced with prostheses of inviolate alloy. Even the brains of these warriors are grotesque hybrids of grey matter and twisting neurocircuitry.{{Fn|39}}
