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'''Conclaves''' was the chief organizational unit used by the [[Skitarii]] during the [[Age of Strife]], [[Great Crusade]], and [[Horus Heresy]].{{Fn|11a}}

[[Image:HHSkitariiSymbol.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Symbol of the Skitarii Conclaves{{Fn|11a}}]]The original Skitarii Conclaves were drawn from the [[Age of Strife]]-era cybernetic scavenger-clans of [[Mars]] by the newly ascendent [[Fabricator General]] of the [[Cult Mechanicus]]. These new cybernetic warriors, dubbed, Skitarii, were organized into small self-sufficient armies which were capable of operating far from Mars for long periods of times with limited support. 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|11a}}

During the subsequent [[Horus Heresy]], roughly 2/3rds 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|11a}}

The Skitarii Conclaves were sworn directly to the [[Fabricator-General]] of [[Mars]] as his personal armies. They were operationally commanded by the '''[[Arch-Ordinator]]''', who was directly subservient to the Fabricator-General. These two figures were the only Imperial authorities with permanent command over all the Skitarii Conclaves.{{Fn|11a}}

Each Conclave was broken into 16 individual '''Themata''', which in turn were divided into 22 '''Lochos''', which were further divided into 12 '''Corpus''' each made up of 16 Skitarii dubbed [[Battle-Pilgrym]]s. These formations were commanded by [[Skitarii Marshal]]s of varying ranks and authority, who were not permanent officers but instead granted authority over their respective formations for specific missions and campaigns. This gives a standard Conclave 67,584 Skitarii troops, and given around 30 such formations existed at the time of the Heresy there would have been around 2 million total Skitarii. However size seems to vary, with some conclaves being observed operating up to 88,000 Skitarii. The Conclaves were usually accompanied by support troops and forces from other branches of the Mechanicum, which were dubbed '''[[Bonepicker Hosts]]'''.{{Fn|11a}} Formations of any size or type in the Conclave could call upon a variety of armoured vehicles and artillery platforms for support. These included the [[Triaros]], [[Karacnos]], [[Krios]], and [[Krios Venator]]. They also utilized [[Vultarax Stratos]]-class [[Robot]]s.{{Fn|1b}}

'''Clade Parameters''' referred to the governoring behavior protocols, rituals, and tactics of a given Skitarii Conclave. Each of these Clade Parameters was dedicated to an aspect of the technological spectrum that formed the [[Cult Mechanicus]], and these shaped their organization, tactics, and rituals of their Conclave. 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.{{Fn|11a}}

*'''Incursus Clade''' (''Ad membra ferrax'') - Responded with dauntless and impetitous aggression in the face of any enemies.{{Fn|11a}}*'''Excipio Clade''' (''Acquisitor et cognitio'') - Sworn to the acquisition and analysis of technological relics above all else, no matter the cost.{{Fn|11a}}*'''Speculor Clade''' (''Occulus Omnisior'') - Acted as the eyes and ears of the [[Arch-Ordinator]].{{Fn|11a}}*'''Vigilus Clade''' (''Contra Cladem'') - Protected the technological vaults of the Mechanicum.{{Fn|11a}}

*'''First Conclave''' - Guarded technological relics sealed in the vaults of [[Phobos]]. These relics could only be opened by direct order of the [[Fabricator-General]].{{Fn|11a}}*'''Incursus-Omega-Psi''' - Followed the '''Incursus''' Clade parameters. Maintained a nominal strength of 75,008 Skitarii.{{Fn|11a}}*'''Excipio-Kappa-Delta''' - Followed the '''Excipio''' Clade parameters. Maintained a nominal strength of 76,387 Skitarii.{{Fn|11a}}*'''Speculor-Alpha-Theta''' - Followed the '''Speculor''' Clade parameters. Unknown strength.{{Fn|11a}}*'''Vigilus-Alpha-Omega''' - Followed the '''Vigilus''' Clade parameters. Maintained a nominal strength of 88,000 Skitarii, but also had four [[stasis]]-locked themata held in reserve at an undisclosed location.{{Fn|11a}}

*{{Endn|1}}: [[Journal Tactica: Skitarii]] - **{{Endn|1a}}: pgs. 4-9**{{Endn|1b}}: pgs. 42-47