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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
→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}} During the [[Great Crusade]] the Skitarii 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 honour 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 unquestioningly loyal to their [[Tech-Priest]] masters. So , so much so that they will even blindly kill one another if ordered.{{Fn|19b}} The will of their [[magos]] is viewed as the will of the Machine-God and to disobey it is unthinkable. To question the Priesthood priesthood is not permitted.{{Fn|55}} 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]]. Data passes through them in a constant omnidirectional flow. Programs, updates, reports and other orders are received while they obtain and export information on weapons, enemies, environments and efficacy. Each is a node for a vast data collection network.{{Fn|55}}
