As a complete package, they have the toughness, speed, and hitting power to duke it out in the middle of the battlefield with usual suspects like Tactical Squads and Lasrifle Sections, but it’s their adaptability that really makes them shine. When you start filling in the Detachment containing your Battle-Pilgryms, you can choose one of four Faction Traits that each come with a special ability, which can radically change how you utilise your Skitarii in battle.
The first two, Acquisitor and Expurgator, grant a unit either the Line (1) or Vanguard (3) rules respectively, making them top shelf objective-takers whether you like to hold ground from the outset or wrestle it off your opponent. This versatility makes them a great choice as an Allied Detachment, granting Space Marine, Solar Auxilia or Mechanicum players an easy way to round out their force. Even better, when allied to a Mechanicum Primary Detachment, they’re not limited to 50% of the total points value, so you can really stock up on Skitarii. The other two depend on your status as either a staunch Loyalist or dastardly Traitor – loyal Skitarii can choose Vindictor to boost the power of their Deflagrate abilities by one, while Traitors with Scourger add an extra inch to their Set-up Moves when going in for a charge.
… Did we mention that the voltlock arquebus has a big, choppy bayonet on the front?
