Ratlings are one of the Imperium’s many abhuman strains, small in stature but famously deadly with a long-las. They’re a common sight in the Astra Militarum as snipers, though wider Imperial society treats them with a mix of amusement and contempt.
What ratlings abhumans actually are
Ratlings, formally Homo sapiens minimus, are a recognised abhuman branch of humanity. They’re short, quick-fingered, and naturally good with ranged weapons, which makes them ideal snipers.
Imperial propaganda paints them as idle, hedonistic, and over-friendly, traits supposedly born from soft agri-worlds with easy harvests and no real predators. Whether that’s true or just anti-abhuman spin is anyone’s guess, but the Imperium repeats it often enough that most citizens believe it.
- Also called Runtlings, Stunties, or Maggots by outsiders
- They call themselves Halflings
- Known for marksmanship, low weight, and a stealthy profile
Where they fit in the Imperium
You’ll find ratlings all over the place, just rarely in charge. Their small size and nimble hands make them useful as spacecraft cabin crew, runarounds, and workers in manufactorums or forge worlds where someone needs to squeeze into vents and tight machinery.
That same dexterity gets them work as salvagers, picking apart mechanisms in salvage yards, though plenty die trapped in places nobody can reach them. They’re personable but often lack social polish, which doesn’t help their standing.
Ratlings in the Astra Militarum
The Imperial Guard doesn’t love ratlings. They’re physically weak and their temperament isn’t what officers want in a line infantryman. But as snipers, they’re superb, and that’s where the Militarum Auxilla puts them.
A ratling sniper with a long-las can pick off officers and heavy weapon teams before the enemy even knows they’re there. Their small frame makes them easy to overlook and easy to hide, which is exactly what a marksman wants.
| Strength | Weakness |
|---|---|
| Exceptional marksmanship | Physically frail |
| Small, stealthy profile | Poor discipline in the field |
| Nimble fingers, good with tech | Seen as idle and hedonistic |
| Natural snipers | Rarely trusted with command |
Culture and reputation
Ratlings are famously good cooks, and their cuisine is genuinely respected across the Imperium. They also have a knack for creative problem-solving, like using a toenail as an improvised tool to splice wires.
Their homeworlds are gone now, lost, destroyed, or stripped bare by the Imperium. What’s left is a scattered people who’ve adapted to whatever niche they can find, usually one that rewards quick hands and a good eye.
Key facts
- Ratlings are abhumans known formally as Homo sapiens minimus.
- They’re nicknamed Runtlings, Stunties, and Maggots, but call themselves Halflings.
- Their small size and sharp eyes make them ideal snipers for the Astra Militarum.
- They often work as spacecraft crew, manufactorum labourers, or salvagers.
- Their original homeworlds are lost or destroyed, leaving them scattered across the Imperium.
- They’re famous for excellent cooking and creative, improvised problem-solving.
FAQ
Are ratlings abhumans?
Yes. Ratlings are officially classified as abhumans, a stable offshoot of humanity, under the name Homo sapiens minimus.
What role do ratlings play in the Astra Militarum?
They serve almost exclusively as snipers in the Militarum Auxilla, using their small size and natural marksmanship to pick off high-value targets.
Why does the Imperium look down on ratlings?
Imperial propaganda paints them as lazy, hedonistic, and undisciplined, though that’s likely exaggerated to justify treating abhumans as second-class citizens.