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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}} 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}}
[[Image:SkitRangerArt.jpg|thumb|right|220px|[[Skitarii Ranger]]s{{Fn|9c}}]]
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}} Despite their training and augmentations, Skitarii prove less effective when cut off from the input of their leadership.{{Fn|54}} While each Skitarius is a soldier executing the will of their masters, they are also small cogs in the grander [[Quest for Knowledge]]. Each is a node for a vast data collection network. Obtaining information on weapons, enemies, environments and efficacy.{{Fn|55}}
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}}
*{{Endn|53}}: [https://web.archive.org/web/20251109052537/https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/cwq62g00/world-championships-preview-skitarii-battle-pilgryms-pursue-treasured-technology-for-the-mechanicum/ Warhammer Community: World Championships Preview – Skitarii Battle-Pilgryms pursue treasured technology for the Mechanicum] ''(archived from [https://www.warhammer-community.com/en-gb/articles/cwq62g00/world-championships-preview-skitarii-battle-pilgryms-pursue-treasured-technology-for-the-mechanicum/ the original], last accessed 9/11/2025)''
*{{Endn|54}}: [[Soul Hunter (Novel)]], Chapter XVI
*{{Endn|55}}: [[Spiritus in Machina (Short Story)]] - [[Inferno! (2018) Vol.2]]
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