The Stalwart Squats: A Comprehensive History

Origins and Ancestry

Squats are a race of short, stocky, and incredibly resilient abhumans. Their ancestors settled on mineral-rich worlds around the galactic core during humanity's ancient expansion.

As the Age of Strife descended, the galactic core was severed from Terra. In their isolation, the Squat colonists evolved to endure the hostile conditions, becoming shorter, tougher, and more self-sufficient.

The Isolated Strongholds

The Squat colonies formed underground societies, each protected by their own impregnable strongholds. They established Engineer Guilds to preserve technical knowledge, creating a network of shared advancements.

During this period, the Leagues emerged as alliances between strongholds for defense and trade.

The Age of Trade

As the warp storms abated, Squats encountered other races, including Eldar and Orks. Recognizing their mineral wealth, they established trade agreements.

Squats maintained neutrality in conflicts, establishing stable peace through complex treaties.

The Age of Wars

The Age of Trade ended with an Ork invasion led by Grunhag the Flayer. The Squats fought valiantly, but betrayal by Eldar left a bitter legacy.

Many strongholds were lost, and the Fall of Imbach remains etched in Squat history as a testament to their resilience and determination.

The Age of Rediscovery

During the Great Crusade, the Imperium rediscovered the Squat Homeworlds.

The Squats had developed their own unique culture and advanced technologies. They negotiated treaties to retain their independence and joined the Imperium as allied forces.

Relations with the Imperium

Squats provide valuable troops for the Imperial Guard while maintaining their autonomy.

The Adeptus Mechanicus is fascinated by Squat technology and their ability to adapt and maintain functional machines.

Squat Technology

Isolated for centuries, Squats developed advanced technologies, including warp-core-powered reactors and plasma weapons.

They used heavy juggernaut war machines and specialized exo-armors in combat.

The Return of the Squats

According to the Leagues of Votann, Squat origins can be traced to the Age of Myth.

Their Kins (families) embarked on Generation Ships guided by sophisticated Artificial Intelligences called Votann Ancestor Cores.

Current Status and Legacy

The Leagues of Votann balance cooperation with suspicion, wary of the Imperium's expansionist tendencies.

They maintain cordial relations with Eldar and Tau but remain vigilant against the Adeptus Mechanicus's acquisitive nature.

The Great Rift has forced many Leagues to relocate and confront new conflicts.

As the galaxy continues to shift, it remains to be seen if the Squat Homeworlds will become more open to the Imperium and the tabletop.