CODEX: IMPERIUM — SCRAP-UNIT DESIGNATION MINIMUS-ERROR-404 Auspex-Anklebiters Status: Non-Standard STC Pattern — Abominable Variant Classification: Ratling Skitarii (Unapproved) Origin: Forge World ███████ Current Location: Necromunda Underhive Threat Level: Low-Altitude, High-Annoyance Origination Protocols Archmagos Vexilus Cogfumble the Unwise initiated Project MINIMUS-ERROR-404 after asking the forbidden question: “What if Skitarii… but smaller?” Cogfumble believed shorter soldiers would reduce sacred machine-oil consumption by 0.0000003%. This theory was not peer-reviewed. It was not allowed to be peer-reviewed. It was immediately sealed under Tech-Heresy Category: “Please Stop.” Bio-Augmentation Summary Ratling “volunteers” (bribed with snacks) received: servo-legs shorter than their original legs auspex arrays calibrated only for ankle-height targets recoil-dampened carbines after early prototypes were launched backwards cogitators that misidentified shins as “high-value weak points” cranial ports labelled “TEMPORARY” (they were not temporary) The resulting units were declared: “Operational, if one lowers expectations significantly.” Demonstration Failure Report During the unveiling ceremony, the cohort: swarmed the audience chewed through three sacred power conduits disabled the lights stole all available snacks declared themselves “Skitarii-Prime, but fun-sized” The Forge World Tribunal ruled the project: heretical embarrassing extremely bitey Cogfumble was ordered to decommission the prototypes. He instead loaded them into a cargo hauler labelled “Definitely Not Abominations” and launched them into space. Necromunda Impact Event The hauler crashed into the Underhive, where the ratling Skitarii emerged: sparking confused hungry and already forming a union They established themselves as a scrap-unit, repairing each other with: bent rivets scavenged servo-bits stolen tools Now they operate as a bounty hunter crew, earning creds to: upgrade their junk-augmetics buy snacks avoid Mechanicus retrieval servitors Tactical Analysis Strengths: vent infiltration ankle-height ambush capability uncanny snack detection fearless against anything taller than 1.2 metres Weaknesses: everything above 1.2 metres ladders standard-height control panels being noticed Imperial Warning “If encountered, do not engage. They will bite your ankles. They will steal your tools. They will fix each other with your tools.” — Skitarii Marshal ███████, last recorded transmission Skills Fighter Primary Secondary Venator Hunt Leader Shooting, Agility, Leadership Savant, Ferocity Venator Hunt Champion Shooting, Agility, Savant Ferocity, Leadership Venator Hunt Specialist Shooting, Agility Savant, Ferocity Gang Tactics Name Restriction Source Advanced Reconnaissance Anyone Hive Secundus Pack Blazing Fury Anyone Escher Pack Crossfire Anyone Escher Pack Duck and Cover Anyone Cawdor Pack Emergency Defences Anyone Hive Secundus Pack Irradiated Ammunition Anyone Hive Secundus Pack Last Gasp Anyone Underhive Box Last Survivor Anyone Hive Secundus Pack Quick Time Anyone Cawdor Pack Reaction Fire Anyone Escher Pack Seize the Initiative Anyone Van Saar Pack 'Til the Bitter End Anyone Hive Secundus Pack

Issues orders from atop a sacred toolbox to achieve “leadership height.”

Auspex calibrated to detect threats no taller than a servo‑skull.

Only engages targets within ankle‑to‑shin range.

Standard‑issue Can Cannon shortened by 40% for ergonomic reasons.

Leg augmetics replaced with “budget‑grade” servo‑stilts.

Height logged as a “known manufacturing variance.”

Performs maintenance exclusively in crawlspaces and ducting.

Weapon recoil dampened because it kept knocking him over.

"You know true devotion when you can chant the Litany of Flow while ankle‑deep in something that definitely wasn’t water five minutes ago.”

“I’ve read flow‑ledgers stained with fluids no man should ever bleed. Down here, even the machinery dies afraid.”

"Vertical deficiency compensated by horizontal abundance.”

“Down in the sump, you don’t fear death. You fear stepping in something that makes death look like a promotion.”