As the time draws closer for the Leagues of Votann to be unleashed onto the battlefields of Warhammer 40,000, we take a look at what makes them tick – and where their formidable battle prowess comes from.
While the Leagues were unveiled in April this year, they trace their lineage back to the game’s early days, as well as occasionally popping up on the ravaged planet of Necromunda, where their cousins, the Ironhead Squat Prospectors, can be found searching for riches under its irradiated crust.
How do they measure up?
The first thing you might notice is that they look a little squat compared to many other races in the galaxy. Measuring up at around 4ft (1.4m) on average, Kin are miniscule compared to the warriors of the Adeptus Astartes, but they can pack almost as much of a punch.
Inside that diminutive frame is the stout heart of a fighter who is afraid of no foe – be they fellow mortals or eldritch horrors. The Kin answer the rallying call to battle whenever, and wherever, they are required.
Armour and Wargear
As we’ve alluded to before, the Kin also happen to be sitting on a closely guarded network of (more-or-less) functioning STCs.
The Leagues may move slowly, but they’re not stuck in a technological rut, unlike some factions we could mention. Their engineers – called Brôkhyrs – command the auto-foundries of each Kinhold from their personal A.N-vyl terminals. But what are they forging?
We know the Leagues have technology far outclassing much of that of the Imperium, and Void Armour is a prime example of this. While the Power Armour of the Adeptus Astartes is always evolving, and may be considered the peak of Imperial body protection, the Kin’s Void Armour takes personal defence to another level.
Void armour comprises hardened, jointed segments which are hooked into the void suit beneath. It is fashioned from magnaferrite weave, and often reinforced with adamantine and enhanced with microfield generators – providing the ultimate protection for these doughty warriors.
Kin and Culture
Culture in general is incredibly important to the Leagues, and much like the requirement for Imperial Knight pilots to honour their ancestors, Kin are also acutely aware that the Ancestors are Always Watching, a phrase which is used as a blessing, battlecry, and warning interchangeably.
The rugged survivalist culture of the Leagues of Votann has bred a long-lived, hardy, and self-sufficient race. In order to truly honour the Ancestors, every member of a Hold must also endeavour to live a full life, discovering as much as they can and offering their learned experience to the Votann. This thirst for knowledge has led the Kin to launch countless exploratory and prospecting fleets into the wider galaxy - and even fight as mercenaries in other species' wars!
There’s much more to say about the Leagues of Votann before they are ready to do battle on the tabletop, however in the meantime we suggest signing up for the Warhammer Community newsletter so you can be the first to know more about these pint-sized warriors.