Afriel strain soldiers were created during an experimental process, of which
little is known about. It was an attempt to capitalize on the
characteristics of the heroes of the Imperium's genetic material, using all
the best traits which made them great. It was an attempt to create the
perfect soldier, which failed. Afriel Strain warriors, for some reason, have
the worst luck. Afriels are normally Albino, with pale alabaster skin, pale
hair and colourless eyes.
Beastmen
Beastmen are horned, hoofed, hairy abhumans. They were formerly recruited
for the Imperial Guard, where they used their bloodlust to fight for the
Emperor and atone for the sin of being born mutants. They were led by
individuals called packmasters. Beastmen are no longer seen in Imperial
service; no doubt elements of the Inquisition convinced the Administratum
that they couldn't be so radically altered from normal humans without being
tainted by Chaos.
Gland War veterans
Gland War Veterans were created to fight on the planet Dantis III, which was
heavily polluted. The Techpriests modified several companies of the Lostok
23rd to fight in the hellish conditions. They had Organs and Drug-secreting
glands implanted in their bodies so that they could survive unprotected.
Their combat abilities and aggressiveness were increased.
Ogryns
Ogryns evolved on high-gravity, low-temperature prison planets. They are
huge and stupid but extremely loyal once introduced to the Imperial Cult.
It's even said that those who fought as rebels in the Horus Heresy only did
so because their superior officers lied to them about which side they were
on. Ogryns are used as shock troops, wielding heavy automatic shotguns
called Ripper Guns, which are also weighted to be used as clubs. They tend
to be claustrophobia and thus are difficult to transport in Chimera APCs.
They are led by "Bone 'eads," who have undergone Biochemical Ogryn Neural
Enhancement so they're not quite so stupid.
Ratlings
Ratlings are tiny, hairy-footed abhumans who serve as snipers in the
Imperial Guard, although this role is becoming less popular now that pure
human special weapon and light infantry squads are fielding marksmen as well.
Ratlings also serve as cooks, a skill they no doubt learned in order to feed
their own stomachs. They also tend towards kleptomania.
Squats
Squats originated on high-gravity worlds towards the galactic core, making
them short and tough. They seceded from the Imperium during the Age of
Apostasy. They are said to have been mostly been wiped out by the Tyranids.
The race is an equivalent of the fantasy dwarf.
Nightsiders
Nightsiders live out their lives in near or complete darkness. They may have
larger eyes than a normal human, almost bulbous; others may have vestigial
eyes with other senses to compensate for the near blindness.
