Dwarves are very popular among gamers. They even have their own game category on Steam. Although they are actually a fantasy race, there are now space dwarves in several variations – even in Warhammer 40,000. MeinMMO explains who this stubborn little folk is.
Originally known as “Squats”, the space dwarves in Warhammer 40,000 are now referred to as the “Leagues of Votann”, or conglomerates of Votann. They are the newest complete race in tabletop gaming and were reintroduced in 2022.
The Squats are a people of clones and now call themselves “Kin”, meaning relatives. They are a small, sturdy race with a lot of technical expertise and a strong bond to their clan.
The Leagues of Votann live near the core of the galaxy, trade with other species, and do what dwarves do: hoard treasures, build fortresses, and keep to themselves. And, stubborn as dwarves are, they will not be driven away from there.
Now, this wouldn’t be Warhammer 40,000 if it were just some random race in the void that was discovered by chance. Behind the conglomerates of Votann lies a long and – as expected – quite absurd history.
Stable Mutations or a New Species?
The Squats are actually descendants of the Imperium of Man, before it even became the Imperium. In the early days of human expansion, a group of explorers settled near the center of the galaxy.
Over thousands of years, this part of humanity evolved further, but not through pure evolution. The first of these ancestors ensured that these “settlers” had a chance of survival so close to the core of the galaxy.
Through targeted mutations, the clone strands literally bred certain traits into the Kin, such as:
- denser flesh and denser bones for higher resilience
- Infrared vision
- Resistance to extreme temperatures, radiation, and gravity
The Kin are bred in “melting pots”, each using slightly different compositions of clone strands. This creates “Kindred”, or clans, whose bond is sometimes stronger than a familial one – after all, the Kin are clones.
Too Stubborn to Fall to Chaos
One of the special traits of the Kin is that they are nearly impervious to the whispers of Chaos. Their souls are virtually invisible in the Immaterium and correspondingly uninteresting to demons.
Sensitivity to the Warp is bred through clone strands. Accordingly, there are only a few psychers in the Leagues of Votann, and those Kin who can cast spells “shine” just strong enough to utilize a few minor powers.
Traveling through the Warp is possible, though considerably safer, but also more complicated. Compared to the horrors that humans must endure, this is likely an acceptable trade-off.
In contrast, it is known that there were indeed a few Squats who fell to Chaos. How relevant this is under the new rules remains to be seen.
A Love-Hate Relationship with the Imperium
These new traits have so distinguished the Kin from humans over the years that the Imperium is not quite sure whether they are still metamorphs, meaning mutants, or if they are already Xenos.
And the Kin do their best to hide their ancestry from humans from many millennia ago, for fear of being forcibly integrated into the Imperium. The people enjoy their independence and engage in trade with various other species.
Numerically, the Kin are quite a large race. However, since the conglomerates of Votann often travel in small fleets, they are often regarded as an insignificant species, for example by their partially allied Tau.
Additionally, it is known that the Leagues have had friendly contacts with the Eldar. They regularly go to war only with the warlike Orks and the awakening Necrons.
The Vikings as an Inspiration for Space Dwarves
Although many Warhammer fans would probably see the Space Wolves as the space Vikings, the conglomerates have much more in common with the Nordic raiders. This is evident in their names.
Wotan is one of the many names of the Allfather Odin. Another name of Odin is Grimnir. The “living ancestors” of the Kin are referred to as Grimnyr.
In any case, ancestors are an important part of the culture of the conglomerates of Votann. In their belief, deceased Kin join the ranks of the ancestors, much like honorably fallen warriors among the Vikings do in Valhalla.
The administration of the individual clans is conducted through a “Spakerönde”, where various speakers gather and debate. In Norse culture, politics functioned similarly through a Thing.
Technology That is Actually Forbidden Today
Since the Leagues of Votann are descendants of earlier humans, they have retained some technology from that time. However, it originates from the Dark Age of Technology, and much of it is strictly forbidden in the Imperium in the 41st millennium.
This includes artificial intelligences, which have been replaced in the Imperium by lobotomized humans. In the conglomerates, there are besides the Kin also the Ironkin, living and sentient machines. These are regarded as completely equal by the Kin.
Additionally, the Kin have excellent master blacksmiths and researchers. The old blueprints and technologies have been continually improved over the years. They are considered better and more efficient than their imperial counterparts. This fits perfectly, after all, the Kin are still dwarves in some way: Where do dwarves actually come from and why are they always such good blacksmiths?
