Squat Frequently Asked Questions
- Introduction
- In three words - what are Squats?
- Now please elaborate.
- Why haven't I heard of them?
- Are Squat miniatures, like, super-rare?
- Can you still use them?
- Squat Background
- Who were the Squats?
- Were the Squats part of the Imperium?
- So, are Squats extinct now or something?
- Are there any traces in the current 40k universe?
- Death of the Squats
- When were they dropped?
- Why?!
- Were they going to be reintroduced?
- Are they going to be reintroduced?
- What about the Demiurg?
- In the Game
- Curis' Squats
Introduction
In three words - what are Squats?
Dwarves in space.
Now please elaborate.
Space dwarves. Short, fat, bearded guys with a love of big guns. They were one of the first playable races in Warhammer 40,000, first introduced with Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader back in 1987.
Why haven't I heard of them?
Games Workshop got all embarassed about them and slowly phased them out of the Warhammer 40,000 universe and product lines.
Are Squat miniatures, like, super-rare?
They've been out of production since 1998, and so any you buy (that aren't nasty-filthy-illegal recasts) are going to be between 9 and 20 years old. Furthermore, Games Workshop deny their existence, making them even more sought after.
Can you still use them?
Yes, a handful of people still use them in the current (4th) edition of Warhammer 40,000 - though they have to be creative. They've got no official codex or rules, but people make up their own or use the 'counts as' rule.
Squat Background
Who were the Squats?
Originally they were human miners sent to the galactic core. They were cut off from the Imperium by the Warp Storms during the Age of Strife. When they were reunited with the Imperium some eighteen thousand years later, the high gravity and harsh environment of these mining worlds had altered the Squat physiology. They were shorter, tougher, stockier - you could say Squatter.
Were the Squats part of the Imperium?
Sort of. During their isolation they had developed a their own culture and empire, with a fiercly independent mindset. After their discovery they remained independent from the Imperium, and ruled themselves. However, they signed treaties that meant they provided troops for the Imperial Guard, and traded their funky minerals only with the Imperium.
So, are Squats extinct now or something?
Almost. The Home Worlds were abruptly eaten by the Tyranids. But that's not to say that the Squats who were campaigning with the Imperial Guard, or exploring the rest of the galaxy are dead too.
Are there any traces in the current 40k universe?
Yes! Two!
In the current Ork Codex, on page 40. Ghazghkull references the Ork invasion of the Squat Home World Golgotha: "We crushed da stunties on Golgotha..."
Oh! Oh! Dan Abnett briefly references them in Ravenor Rogue, when Shunto Unwerth talks about his heritage. (I'll find out exactly where when it's released in paperback.)
Removal from Warhammer 40,000
When were they dropped
The 90's. It was a gradual process, starting with no new models, no new rules, and then a discontinuation of the models.
Why?!
A very complex question. But essentially, Squats were a little embarrassing. Rather than being a grim and war-ravaged race of doughty survivors they were smiley little fat men on bikes.
Were they going to be reintroduced?
Yes. Back in the 2nd edition of Warhammer 40,000 there were plans to release a Squat Codex. There were a number of concept models kicking about, one of which made it into the inside cover of the Dark Millenium supplement, and can be seen here. However, there was never enough enthusiasm for the project and it was quietly shelved, dropped and abandoned.
Are they going to be reintroduced?
No. Never. They've had their day. The 40K universe has moved on and left them behind.
Whatabout the Demiurg?
The short, fat, bearded mining aliens in Battlefleet Gothic? Them? No. The Demiurg aren't the Squats back from the dead, just another race which fulfills the dwarf archetype.
Squats in the games
What was the Squat army like on the tabletop?
Very static and incredibly shooty, backed up with bike squadrons.
What funky equipment did they have?
In 40k they were armed just like the Imperial Guard - bolt and las weaponry. But they did have Exo-armour, Thudd Guns, Mole Mortars and Bikes.
What about Epic?
Land Trains, Cyclopses, Overlord Airships, Goliath Mega Cannons! Go check this guy's Epic Squats out now.
Wow!
Yeah! Epic rocked. Excuse me, I must go and paint some more...
Curis' Squats
Where did you get your Squats from?
Had them since I was young. I used to field them using the Black Codex in Warhammer 40,000's 2nd edition.
How do you use your Squats in games?
At the moment, I field them using the Imperial Guard and Inquisition codices. It lets me be wysiwyg with all those lasguns and flak armour, and wheel out a lot of tanks.
Where do you play with them?
Dice Not Included, the local Games Workshop, and tournaments up and down the country.
What do other people make of your Squats?
The older gamers enjoy it. But perhaps that's because they're almost guaranteed a win against such a laughably ineffectual army.
Kids have variously called mistaken them for Gnomes, a Ratling army and 15mm Imperial Guard.
Can I buy them?
No. They are mine, and I am as reluctant to sell them as I am my own kidney.
Have you got a question? Have you spotted a mistake? Then send an email.
