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2017/05/02 16:19:11
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Navigator
Frostbite Falls
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'Cuz I don't.
Seriously.
"Hobbits in Spaaaaaaace"
Yawn.
They need a reboot.
I'm thinking 'Hive World C.H.U.D.s".
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'NuRatlings' should be the descendants of the inhabitants of Hive Worlds that became completely cut off from the rest of the galaxy during the Age of Strife. Without the constant influx of food, water and resources, the colossal city-mountains began to fail, and their inhabitants were forced to survive in the slowly-decaying mega-structures.
Millennia of living under such conditions produced extreme genetic deviation from the norm. The need to crawl and climb through collapsed air vents and elevator shafts necessitated a dramatic reduction in size; ratling-type Abhumans rarely exceed four feet in height, and tend to appear emaciated regardless of diet. Their senses of smelling and hearing are drastically increased, while their sense of sight is reduced. Despite being able to function in light levels low enough to render a baseline human blind, many ratlings are short-sighted, and a good number are colorblind. They also have difficulty operating in places with an over abundance of light; most ratlings need sunglasses in order to go out on sunny days.
Ratling physiology is incredibly resistant to toxic chemicals and radiation exposure due to countless generations being forced to subsist on tainted water and whatever life forms that could grow deep within the dead Hives. Conditions that normal humans find incapacitating often have no discernible effect on ratlings, though they don't necessarily enjoy such exposure.
While not usually cowardly, ratlings are aware of their own limits when compared to the rest of humanity. Ratlings that serve in the Imperial Guard tend to almost always act as snipers and scouts. Ratling criminals are almost always of the informant, thief, conman, black marketeer, spy or assassin variety.
The relationship between the Ratlings and the Adeptus Mechanicus is rather strained. In order to survive, ratlings had to scavenge whatever technology they could find and keep it working however they could. As a result, the whole breed has an almost preternatural talent for using, maintaining, fixing, and modifying technology of almost any sort, something that annoys the Tech-Priests of Mars to no end. While they aren't usually found creating experimental new technology, Ratling 'Tinkers' can often be found taking what they've seen and applying it to a new direction.
An ancient Ratling profession is that of 'Vermin-Keeping', breeding and raising the large, mutated rats, bats and bugs that could survive in the Underhive. Another is that of the 'Alchemist', an expert at turning the toxic molds and polluted sludges of the ruined cities into viable medicines and crude chemical weapons. (Imagine three-and-a-half-foot tall plague doctors.)
Ratlings in the Imperium are, naturally, most often found in Hives, with just as many living in starships and orbital stations. They are a common sight in places on the edge of Imperial society, and some end up in the employ of Inquisitors or Rogue Traders. The majority of Ratlings who live in places less developed can be found on Forest or Jungle planets; even the most naturalized Ratling prefers to have something between them and the open sky.
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Of course, that's just the Ratlings who managed to rejoin galactic civilization. There are still plenty of places that the Emperor's Light has never reached that nevertheless knows the sound of human feet.
These are the 'Feral' Ratlings. Buried alive beneath mountains of steel and glass, their humanity was stripped from them a long time ago; now they are embodiments of hunger, desperation, and madness.
Most, if not all, Feral Ratlings are Warp-touched to some degree or another. Even the most untrained of their degenerate kind can blend into the shadows to a level far beyond others. They have their own twisted versions of the Vermin-Keeper and the Alchemist, as well as 'Mad Tinkers' who create impossible machines that draw upon the Warp in order to function.
There are also the Feral Ratling 'Shamans', psykers who channel the power of the Warp into both friend and foe.
While most Feral Ratlings live on lost planets, many exist deep beneath the lowest levels of functioning Hive Worlds. There, far below the feet of unassuming Imperial citizens, these loathsome creatures bide their time until their population exceeds their food supply and they swarm to the surface to kill, and feed, and take what they can.
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2017/05/02 16:32:54
Subject: Re:Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Pyromaniac Hellhound Pilot
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Nah. I like Lazy Promiscuous Thieving Space Hobbit Snipers.
The hive world ratlings sound like a neat version, though; I could definitely get behind welcoming them in as a variant!
Your ferals actually kind of already exist in the setting, albeit explicitly on voidships, as ghilliam and hullghasts. I could easily see them showing up in the depths of a hive, though.
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2017/05/02 17:56:25
Subject: Re:Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Stalwart Veteran Guard Sergeant
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The Only War supplement Shield of Humanity did a lot of heavy lifting to make ratlings fun for me. The artwork is great at portraying them as the hairy, butt-ugly, roguish little buggers they're described as without having a sniper rifle glued to their hands. There's also a description of a ratling planet that has been appropriated by Imperial nobles as a vacation world. The story depicts a lot of class tension between the Imperials who see the ratlings as charmingly rustic servants and native guides, and the ratlings themselves who resent their land being taken over by villas and being asked to (gasp) work for a living. There was even a guerilla war started by ratling maquis, who waged a sabotage campaign against the nobles and their estates.
That said, I love your hive and feral ratlings. It fixes the one big problem I have with 40k's abhumans, namely that they're supposed to all develop independently of each other yet somehow all develop the same skills, physiology, and personality types. Having this kind of variation gives the idea the kind of texture it needs. (Also, the idea of populations living in dead hives is a personal favorite of mine)
Consider it accepted into my personal canon!
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/05/02 17:57:08
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2017/05/03 13:17:50
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Stealthy Grot Snipa
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I think what OP has done is crack how to get Skaven into 40k there, nice one!
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2017/05/03 18:09:33
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Ollanius Pius - Savior of the Emperor
Gathering the Informations.
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Nope. They're a dead end unit that really should have been deleted three or four editions ago.
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2017/05/03 20:50:48
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Hissing Hybrid Metamorph
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You should at least have the option of rating snipers, or normal human snipers.
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2017/05/04 00:31:09
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Infiltrating Broodlord
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Rippy wrote:You should at least have the option of rating snipers, or normal human snipers.
Didn't there use to be human snipers... I do remember sniper figures
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2017/05/04 05:26:43
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Hissing Hybrid Metamorph
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GodDamUser wrote: Rippy wrote:You should at least have the option of rating snipers, or normal human snipers.
Didn't there use to be human snipers... I do remember sniper figures
Maybe there are, I have only ever seemed to see the ratlings though?
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2017/05/05 01:43:01
Subject: Re:Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Hooded Inquisitorial Interrogator
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I really like the current version of Ratlings, though it is a bit narrow, and could do with some fleshing out.
Formerly Wu wrote:The Only War supplement Shield of Humanity did a lot of heavy lifting to make ratlings fun for me.
Clearly I should check that out.
But I will say that the OPs idea I fall squarely into the camp of ' sounds like a cool addition, rather than a overwrite'.
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2017/05/06 15:57:40
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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I'm sure everyone already realises this, special weapon teams can be outfitted with sniper weaponry. That's one way to get 'regular' human snipers (plus a spotter for each sniper?).
OP: Your idea is pretty interesting. You should try get your hands on a copy of the Necromunda Outlanders supplement, it plays with a very similar idea for some 'native' hive bottom dwellers, the Ratskins.
If it is how you see ratlings working for you in your IG army then I 100% endorse you creating these miniatures!
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2017/05/06 16:00:11
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Ollanius Pius - Savior of the Emperor
Gathering the Informations.
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nareik wrote:I'm sure everyone already realises this, special weapon teams can be outfitted with sniper weaponry. That's one way to get 'regular' human snipers (plus a spotter for each sniper?).
Special weapon teams are limited in number and require taking a platoon in order to have access to them. Also, you don't get anything special for "spotters". The squad comes with everyone having lasguns at the start, then 3 can be upgraded to have specials. As of right now, the only "special" human snipers come from the Elysian Detachment 99 list.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/05/06 16:00:43
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2017/05/07 02:43:35
Subject: Re:Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Imperial Agent Provocateur
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I do like the Ratlings. They are weird little thievy snipers. Grimdark halflings! What's not to love? The only thing they are missing is a plastic kit.
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2017/05/07 04:02:10
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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To me ratlings in 40k are the weird odd duck out kinda thing. It's like in an fantasy setting that is very classical with a dwarf, elf, human, and a halfling player. Then one guy shows up who is a half celestial half dragon dragonborn *insert esoteric 3rd party splatbook prestige class here* type of deal.
They just don't feel like they fit in with the current incarnation of them and the way the 40k fluff has evolved.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/05/07 04:02:26
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2017/05/07 07:49:30
Subject: Re:Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Horrific Hive Tyrant
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hypnoticeris wrote:I do like the Ratlings. They are weird little thievy snipers. Grimdark halflings! What's not to love? The only thing they are missing is a plastic kit.
Agree with every word.
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2017/05/10 12:54:19
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Stalwart Veteran Guard Sergeant
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Like others have said, Only War did flesh them out a little and make them a fun aspect. However, I run ratlings and I still prefer 'counts as' human snipers to little battle-midgets.
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Psienesis wrote:I've... seen things... you people wouldn't believe. Milk cartons on fire off the shoulder of 3rd-hour English; I watched Cheez-beams glitter in the dark near the Admin Parking Gate... All those... moments... will be lost, in time, like tears... in... rain. Time... to die.
"The Emperor points, and we obey,
Through the warp and far away."
-A Guardsman's Ballad |
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2017/05/10 12:59:00
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Inquisitorial Keeper of the Xenobanks
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Ratlings are cool. Ratings from hive worlds as spaven snipers are cool. Counts as humie snipers is cool.
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2017/05/15 16:25:32
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Mysterious Techpriest
Fortress world of Ostrakan
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I do not like them. Both their looks or their background. The dislike of their looks may be caused by their ugly models though.
Space ogres are enough in my opinion.
I modelled all my count-as ratlings as kneeling guardsmen.
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2017/05/15 18:01:24
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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5th God of Chaos! (Yea'rly!)
The Great State of Texas
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Hated the minis, hated the concept. humie snipers all the way.
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-"Wait a minute.....who is that Frazz is talking to in the gallery? Hmmm something is going on here.....Oh.... it seems there is some dispute over video taping of some sort......Frazz is really upset now..........wait a minute......whats he go there.......is it? Can it be?....Frazz has just unleashed his hidden weiner dog from his mini bag, while quoting shakespeares "Let slip the dogs the war!!" GG
-"Don't mind Frazzled. He's just Dakka's crazy old dude locked in the attic. He's harmless. Mostly."
-TBone the Magnificent 1999-2014, Long Live the King!
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2017/05/15 20:06:20
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Huge Hierodule
United States
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I like the official Ratlings, but I also like your lore as well. The only thing that doesn't really make much sense is you say they have awful eyesight but then go on to say they commonly operate as Snipers. Seems a bit counterintuitive.
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2017/05/16 17:37:31
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Navigator
Frostbite Falls
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Darth Bob wrote:I like the official Ratlings, but I also like your lore as well. The only thing that doesn't really make much sense is you say they have awful eyesight but then go on to say they commonly operate as Snipers. Seems a bit counterintuitive.
Yeah, I didn't think that part through very well.
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2017/05/17 03:04:55
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Longtime Dakkanaut
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They shoot by sense of smell.
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2017/05/17 05:20:20
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Furious Fire Dragon
A forest
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I think they are interesting fluff wise because I love hobbits, but if they got squatted I wouldnt have a broken heart
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2017/05/17 19:54:40
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Bonkers Buggy Driver with Rockets
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Lord-Captain Cepinari wrote: Darth Bob wrote:I like the official Ratlings, but I also like your lore as well. The only thing that doesn't really make much sense is you say they have awful eyesight but then go on to say they commonly operate as Snipers. Seems a bit counterintuitive.
Yeah, I didn't think that part through very well.
This bit doesn't work great. It makes sense for their eyesight to be fethed up if they live underground, but that doesn't match up with the original fluff designating them as snipers. Maybe drop them as snipers and have them be medics/inflitrators instead?
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40k drinking game: take a shot everytime a book references Skitarii using transports.
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2017/05/18 01:58:52
Subject: Re:Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Guard Heavy Weapon Crewman
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I do.
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2017/05/21 07:37:07
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Storm Trooper with Maglight
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Very cool idea. I'd keep ratlings the way they are though and introduce these guys as something else, or a variant of ratlings.
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123ply: Dataslate- 4/4/3/3/1/3/1/8/6+
Autopistol, Steel Extendo, Puma Hoodie
USRs: "Preferred Enemy: Xenos"
"Hatred: Xenos"
"Racist and Proud of it" - Gains fleshbane, rending, rage, counter-attack, and X2 strength and toughness when locked in combat with units not in the "Imperium of Man" faction.
Collection:
AM/IG - 122nd Terrax Guard: 2094/3000pts
Skitarii/Cult Mech: 1380/2000pts
Khorne Daemonkin - Host of the Nervous Knife: 1701/2000pts
Orks - Rampage Axez: 1753/2000pts |
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2017/05/28 23:17:54
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Keeper of the Holy Orb of Antioch
avoiding the lorax on Crion
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Both kinds could exist, a seperate sub variant.
Maybe known to other ratlings as hivies, or slinkees etc to reflect they come from a cave like, tunnel existence.
Though short sighted snipers makes nigh no sense...
They would be better more as maybe night time figures who pick off a sentety with a knife or well placed silent shot.
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Sgt. Vanden - OOC Hey, that was your doing. I didn't choose to fly in the "Dongerprise'.
"May the odds be ever in your favour"
Hybrid Son Of Oxayotl wrote:
I have no clue how Dakka's moderation work. I expect it involves throwing a lot of d100 and looking at many random tables.
FudgeDumper - It could be that you are just so uncomfortable with the idea of your chapters primarch having his way with a docile tyranid spore cyst, that you must deny they have any feelings at all. |
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2017/05/30 00:58:35
Subject: Does anyone like the Ratlings?
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Boom! Leman Russ Commander
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They're fine. I don't dislike 'em, I don't love 'em. I definietly see why people would be upset that for a dedicated sniper unit they're forced to use rather distinctly not 'Average Joe Human' models that contrast the rest of the theme so heavily, rather than the various normal snipers - converted or otherwise - since snipers in SWS' always felt shoehorned in because they needed somewhere to stick the models.
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This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2017/05/30 00:59:53
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