The Leagues of Votann Kin are a cloned species of hardy miners and warriors who carve out a living in the perilous Galactic Core. They’re not your typical xenos threat; they’re pragmatic survivors, driven by ancient AI ancestors and a relentless need for resources.
Who are the Kin?
The Kin are the cloned inhabitants of the Leagues of Votann, a decentralised mercantile confederation based in the Galactic Core. They’re rugged survivalists, shaped by millennia of exploiting the core’s riches while fighting off its many dangers.
Unlike many races in Warhammer 40k, the Kin aren’t driven by conquest or faith in dark gods. Their society revolves around acquiring resources to ensure their species’ survival, a goal they pursue through trade, mercenary work, and outright warfare when necessary.
Origins and the Votann
Kin legend says their ancestors, the First Ancestors, left pre-Imperial Terra during the Age of Myth in generation ships bound for the Galactic Core. They brought with them advanced AIs called Votann Ancestor Cores to guide them.
These Ancestor Cores, also called the Votann, are central to Kin identity. They’re repositories of wisdom and purpose, and the Kin revere them in a form of ancestor worship. The First Ancestors also engineered stable mutations called Cloneskeins, making the Kin tougher and more resistant to the Warp than baseline humans.
Society and government
The Leagues aren’t a single nation but a loose alliance of Holds, each led by a Hearthspake. The Ancestor Cores serve as the ultimate authority, their ancient data guiding decisions.
Kin society is pragmatic and communal, with a strong emphasis on resource acquisition. They’re often seen as selfish hoarders by outsiders, but to the Kin, it’s about survival in a hostile galaxy.
- Government type: Mercantile confederation
- Head of state: Ancestor Cores
- Governing body: Various Hearthspakes
- Religion: Ancestor worship
- Military: Kinhosts and fleets
Biology and technology
The Kin are clones, their genetic makeup refined over generations. Cloneskeins give them resilience, strength, and resistance to Chaos corruption. They’re more than miners; they’re formidable warriors.
Their technology is advanced, derived from Dark Age of Technology designs. They use particle excavators to dismantle stars for resources, and their forges produce powerful weapons and armour. The Ironkin, robotic allies, bolster their ranks.
The Kin at war
When the Leagues go to war, they field Kinhosts: disciplined armies of warriors backed by heavy firepower and ancient technology. They fight for resources, defence, or as mercenaries for other factions.
Their military might is considerable, but they prefer to avoid unnecessary conflict. A Kin will trade if it’s profitable, but they won’t hesitate to fight if their holdings are threatened.
Key facts
- The Leagues of Votann are a mercantile confederation of cloned Kin based in the Galactic Core.
- Their society is guided by ancient AIs called Ancestor Cores, which they worship as ancestors.
- The Kin were genetically engineered with Cloneskeins, granting them resilience and Warp resistance.
- They’re known for their advanced technology, including star-dismantling particle excavators.
- In war, they field Kinhosts and are often hired as mercenaries.
FAQ
Are the Leagues of Votann a xenos race?
Technically, they’re not xenos; they’re a branch of humanity that evolved separately in the Galactic Core. However, the Imperium often treats them as aliens due to their isolation and divergent culture.
What are the Ancestor Cores?
The Ancestor Cores are advanced AIs from the Dark Age of Technology. They serve as the spiritual and governmental heart of the Leagues, providing wisdom and guidance to the Kin.
How do the Kin differ from the Imperium?
The Kin are more pragmatic and less dogmatic than the Imperium. They don’t worship the Emperor and are more open to trade and alliances with other races, though they’re still ruthless when necessary.