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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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In later years, these scavenger-cyborgs would grow into a formidable fighting force that were wielded by the now-powerful [[Fabricator General]] of Mars to serve the needs of the new Martian Mechanicum. These new cybernetic warriors, dubbed, Skitarii, were organized into small self-sufficient armies dubbed [[Skitarii Conclave|conclaves]] which were capable of operating far from Mars for long periods of times with limited support. Each of these Conclaves was dedicated to one aspect of the technological spectrum that formed the [[Cult Mechanicus]], and these shaped their organization, tactics, and rituals. Some specialized in [[Atomantic Reactor|Atomantic]] technology, while others wielded powerful [[Plasma]] relics. Rumours exist that some Conclaves even dedicated themselves to the pursuit of forbidden technology and even [[Xenos]] relics, which were then sealed away any watched over by the Priests of Mars. The exact number of Conclaves varied over time as the [[Great Crusade]] unfolded, but at the outbreak of the [[Horus Heresy]] there were around 30.{{Fn|56a}}
During the subsequent [[Horus Heresy]], roughly 2/3rds{{Fn|56b}} of the Skitarii Conclaves remained loyal to the traitorous Fabricator-General [[Kelbor-Hal]] and his [[New Mechanicum]] and fought for [[Warmaster]] [[Horus]]. The remaining third stayed loyal to the [[Emperor]] and sided with the exiled [[Fabricator Locum]], [[Zagreus Kane]].{{Fn|56a}} Kelbor-Hal had failed to sufficiently rewrite the core coding of the Skitarii's programming, which dictated that they would serve the Fabricator-General who in turn served the Mechanicum. Loyalist Skitarii saw Kelbor-Hal as having failed the Mechanicum by means of the [[Schism of Mars|Death of Innocence]], and thus he had forefeited his position, and the true Fabricator-General was [[Fabricator-Locum]] Kane. Hal was quick to see his error, and subsequently used [[Scrapcode]] to ensure that his Skitarii were absolutely loyal only to him.{{Fn|56b}}
Following the Traitor's defeat at the [[Siege of Terra]], the Skitarii's command structure were seemingly reorganized by the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. Today, Skitarii are divided into '''Legions''' and are now sworn to individual [[Forge World]]s as opposed to being sworn directly to the Fabricator-General.{{Fn|9a}}
