 | Okay, I know it's called "Codex Adeptus Mechnaicus Skitarii", but that's like calling the Space Marine ones "Codex Legiones Astartes Blood Angels" AND on the side it says "Codex: Skitarii". Thanks for that... So this is a Codex I never thought would exist. The Skitarii were the smallest part of a very large, very heavily armed machine - the Titan Legions! I wrote about their original incarnation a little while back where really they were the support units for the Titan Legions and therefore the Adeptus Mechanicus in some removed form. The universe has changed and now the Adeptus Mechanicus are a force of their own and the individual Titan Legions have taken a back seat. I can't help but think something big is about to happen, but I just don't know what. Now thankfully Games Workshop have tied some of that all together in this, the Codex that now exists... + + More After The Jump + + |
The first thing to know about the Skitarii is that they exemplify the term "Legion" - It's in the name and they are just that; one.
They are an unstoppable killing machine, the smallest but most numerous cog in the army of the Machine God. It states in this Codex that by engaging in combat they show the enemies power and skill at arms so the Machine God is able to better understand and then crush their foe.
This is an incredibly evocative image; highly trained well armed and united troops crushing all before them in the name of technology and greater knowledge (purportedly) for the Imperium of Man.
They are an unstoppable killing machine, the smallest but most numerous cog in the army of the Machine God. It states in this Codex that by engaging in combat they show the enemies power and skill at arms so the Machine God is able to better understand and then crush their foe.
This is an incredibly evocative image; highly trained well armed and united troops crushing all before them in the name of technology and greater knowledge (purportedly) for the Imperium of Man.
This is a fantastic map that not only shows the Forge Worlds (or some of) but also the names of some of the wars and expeditions the Skitarii are currently on. As much as these maps are great (and this is one of the best) it makes the universe just a little bit smaller - where is the room to move if you want to have your own Forge World?
 |  |
This is Mars in the distant future - and to me it looks like Unicron from the original Transformers movie (right).
Right - this is where this Codex, or mini Codex as many are calling it gets really good and expansive.
This is an overview of some of the Forge Worlds of the Imperium. You get a brief synopsis of what they are about and it's very evident that care has been taken to give identity to each and also a bit of a kick in the tail - Agripinaa for example is on the border of the Eye of Terror and they sound like their Skitarii may not be as willing as others, thus their large force size. Stygies VIII is also another example where a secretive cult inside the Mechanicus is using xenos techonology.
Who ever wrote this did a great job!
This is an overview of some of the Forge Worlds of the Imperium. You get a brief synopsis of what they are about and it's very evident that care has been taken to give identity to each and also a bit of a kick in the tail - Agripinaa for example is on the border of the Eye of Terror and they sound like their Skitarii may not be as willing as others, thus their large force size. Stygies VIII is also another example where a secretive cult inside the Mechanicus is using xenos techonology.
Who ever wrote this did a great job!
Every wonder where the Skitarii fall into the timeline between the Heresy and now? Wonder no more...
 |  |
The next 7 pages go through the Skitarii units - and there is nothing here that has not already been released in terms of miniatures. Like the rest of the book, the art is beautiful and the colour lavish.
 |  |
Once we get passed the individual units - it's colour scheme time!
The Legions of Mars, Lucius, Agripninaa, Stygies VIII, Graia, Metalica and Ryza all get a small write up and a full look at their colour schemes and icon. A really nicely presented section!
The Legions of Mars, Lucius, Agripninaa, Stygies VIII, Graia, Metalica and Ryza all get a small write up and a full look at their colour schemes and icon. A really nicely presented section!
Legions of the Omnissiah is a series of colour plates with some of the forces of the Mechanicus represented. Metalica stands out beautifully (above)!
This is followed by the Datacards you would have seen in the White Dwarf, plus the Sicarian Killclade, Ironstrider Cavaliers, War Cohort and Battle Maniple formations.
The Appendix follows with the stats and some colour shots of the weapons. Again, nicely done.
Verdict
First of all - what have we learnt from this Codex - well the Skitarii along with the Auxilia Myrmidon, Legio Cybernetica and Ordo Reductor come under the Cult of Mechanicus and although attached to a Titan Legion are not part of the Collegia Titanica. This is new and changes the lore somewhat.
Another change is the idea of these warriors as being mind controlled to the point of being without sentience. It's a bit confusing because they talk about them on one hand having free thought and training, and then the idea they hear voices or are programmed to effectively walk into certain death. I see this working in a larger game like Epic, but in 40K the idea of fielding individuals appeals much more to me that automotons. I'd like to get a bit more clarity on this!
-
However - this is by far the best written Codex in recent time from my perspective.
There is tonnes of information for hobbyists and gamers alike.
It's beautifully presented and I think pretty well written apart from some ambiguity in terms of background.
-
For me, as a mini Codex, this is well worth the money and if this is the sign of future Codex then I will be a customer! A great addition to the universe.
Another change is the idea of these warriors as being mind controlled to the point of being without sentience. It's a bit confusing because they talk about them on one hand having free thought and training, and then the idea they hear voices or are programmed to effectively walk into certain death. I see this working in a larger game like Epic, but in 40K the idea of fielding individuals appeals much more to me that automotons. I'd like to get a bit more clarity on this!
-
However - this is by far the best written Codex in recent time from my perspective.
There is tonnes of information for hobbyists and gamers alike.
It's beautifully presented and I think pretty well written apart from some ambiguity in terms of background.
-
For me, as a mini Codex, this is well worth the money and if this is the sign of future Codex then I will be a customer! A great addition to the universe.
RSS Feed