Ratling

Often derided for resembling 'Hobbits in Space', Ratlings have swapped magic rings for sniper rifles, all the better to serve in His Most Glorious Imperial Majesty's Imperial Guard. The friendly wizard Gandalf has been replaced by an Aspiring Sorcerer with a thirst for pint-sized auxilia; thankfully, Ratlings are excellent at both self-preservation and cookery, presumably fending off their enemies with a massed barrage of just-baked bread rolls.

Physical appearance

Ratlings are a breed of abhuman, putting them in the same dropship as Ogryns and their not-to-be-named brethren, and they are about as popular with the fanbase as they would be with the citizens of the Imperium. They measure three feet in height, 50% of which is stomach - they can eat twice the ration allowance of a regular Guardsman, presumably in a first, second, and third breakfast. Unlike their fantasy counterparts they disdain adventure, displaying an eagerness to get into cover that in any other squad would be labelled as 'shameful' but for these waist-high warriors should be referred to as 'characterful'.

In the game

Reasons of character are about the only ones you would take these diminutive death-dealers. With a mediocre Leadership and limited survivability, Mount Doom will be the place you are headed if you put too much (or, indeed, any) faith into them. They might be the unofficial front for dealing stolen weapons to veteran Guardsmen, but veteran players should move on without a second thought.