Changes

==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.{{Fn|11}} 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}} During the [[Great Crusade]] the Skitarii Legions were sworn directly to the [[Fabricator-General]] of [[Mars]]{{Fn|50}}, though since the [[Horus Heresy]] they have been broken up to be commanded by individual [[Forge Worlds]].{{Fn|9a}}

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 Alpha]]s''', 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}}

==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 [[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}}

==Equipment==

*{{Main|Adeptus Mechanicus Armoury}}