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Honestly, I think it is time to move Cherubims to its own spot as they are way too different to count as a mere Servo-skull.
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An unusually talkative Servo-Skull is found among the crew of the Caestus Metalican in [[Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus]]. Formerly a Magos Dominus, Servo-Skull Reditus acts considerably more intelligent than others of his kind, providing commentary on various issues faced by the tech-priests. In fact, the game's intro is narrated by Reditus as he waxes lyrical on the joys of being freed from flesh and serving the Omnissiah in death. His primary duty is to act as the POV camera for the turn-based battles against the Necrons, allowing player character Magos Dominus Faustinius to better command his troops. Considering that most other Servo-Skulls are creepy mute robo-drones and not undead tech-priests spouting philosophy he's probably an example of tech-heresy. On the other hand, a common procedure among members of the Mechanicus is getting the right hemisphere of their brain replaced with a cogitator, so this could just be a Ship of Theseus type of situation.
An unusually talkative Servo-Skull is found among the crew of the Caestus Metalican in [[Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus]]. Formerly a Magos Dominus, Servo-Skull Reditus acts considerably more intelligent than others of his kind, providing commentary on various issues faced by the tech-priests. In fact, the game's intro is narrated by Reditus as he waxes lyrical on the joys of being freed from flesh and serving the Omnissiah in death. His primary duty is to act as the POV camera for the turn-based battles against the Necrons, allowing player character Magos Dominus Faustinius to better command his troops. Considering that most other Servo-Skulls are creepy mute robo-drones and not undead tech-priests spouting philosophy he's probably an example of tech-heresy. On the other hand, a common procedure among members of the Mechanicus is getting the right hemisphere of their brain replaced with a cogitator, so this could just be a Ship of Theseus type of situation.


==Cherubim==
==Notable Variants==
{{Topquote|A cyber cherub clattered in a clumsy search pattern around the scriptorium on metal wings. Such things were grotesque, techno-alchemy far removed from the purer machinery of his day. The madness of Mars had infected everything;</br></br>The cherub’s emerald eyes flashed at each word. The sensibilities of this age did not appeal to Guilliman. Hateful art for a hateful time;</br></br>The primarch watched it go back to its roost with critical eyes. The wings were more than adornment; from the sound of it, there was not enough lift in the gravity impeller to keep it aloft. The machines of this millennium were crude. The engineers among his brothers would probably have caught the thing in a net and rebuilt the motor; he was close to doing so himself. Either that, or tossing it out of an airlock into the void and replacing it with something less ghoulish.|[[Roboute Guilliman|Big Bobby G]], reviewing a Cherub in ''Dark Imperium''}}
Like [[Tau Drones]] and [[Squigs]], if there is a function, there is a Servo-skull for this. There is a shit-ton of servo-skull variants, but we are listing the ones where we have sufficient information and images of. These are:
 
===Data Skull===
[[File:Data_Skull.PNG|60px|right|thumb|Imagine turning your skull into an iPad.]]
Data Skulls contain a data screen set into their backs.
 
This makes them the perfect item for relaying important targeting data, recording the findings of [[Inquisition|Inquisitorial]] investigations and many other uses. They are also used by other branches of the Imperiums such as the [[Adeptus Astartes]] and the [[Imperial Guard]] as well. Knowlwedge is power after all, and having a mobile computer tag along with you is pretty neat.
 
By some, its functions overlap with the Scryerskull used by the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]]. The main difference it seems, is that the Data Skull is less complex and advance, but it is overall cheaper to produce. Data Skulls often work with cogitators as a result.
 
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Data Skull are made from those working in any institution local, galactic or otherwise, in the military sector.  
<gallery>
Data_Skull_front.PNG
</gallery>
===Gheistskull===
[[File:Gheistskull.PNG|190px|right|thumb|BEEP BEEP BOOM!]]
The Imperium's loitering munitions bomber.
 
Gheistskulls like all servo-skulls, are made from the skulls of deceased Imperial subjects, in this case, the [[Imperial Navy Breachers]]. They carry compact explosives that launches devastating EMP waves that will fuck up any nearby machinery.
 
Nevertheless, self-destructing isn't its main job although it is a sweet bonus. Its main use like most servo-skulls, is in reconnaissance. Given the dangers of boarding actions in the 41st Millennium, this makes sense to use a disposable robot to scout out ahead.  
 
They accompany Breacher teams, during boarding attacks and are controlled largely by the [[Navis Void-Jammer]].
 
Crunchwise, these things are meant to frustrate TEQs more then GEQs since TEQs usually have more technological nick-knacks for its EMP to exploit. When self-destructing it hits anyone within 2"/circle of the skull. While it's not very dangerous, EMP makes it have a Lethal equal to the enemy's armour save.
{{Clear}}
===Guardian-skull===
[[File:Gun-skull.PNG|150px|right|thumb|The Emprah's drone strikes. [https://askrobouteguilliman40k.tumblr.com/post/663465795871997952/qsy-draws-a-lot-an-adeptus-mechanicus Art by  qsy-draws-a-lot.]]]
AKA the Gun-skull or Combat-skull or the Imperium's UCAV Drone Strike, the Guardian-skull unlike most servo-skulls is built for combat in mind.
 
Designed with a somewhat reinforced structure and fitted with a single, efficient weapon system and targeting selection programs, Guardian-skulls -- also known as Gun-skulls and Combat-skulls depending on their armament, whether it be ranged or melee -- are uncommon but prestigious and effective bodyguard devices.
 
On [[Necromunda]], a Gun-skull is usually equipped with a compact [[autopistol]] and will target whatever or whoever the owner does when they make a ranged attack. Their small size, tireless vigilance, and ability to hover in the shadows silently make them surprisingly discreet and effective servants.
 
Its [[Tau|Weeaboo]] equivalent would be the [[Gun Drone]].
 
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Guardian-skull are made from those working in any institution local, galactic or otherwise, in the military sector.
{{Clear}}
===Lingua-Vox-skull===
[[File:Vox_Drone.PNG|100px|right|thumb|Duolingo of the 41st Millennium.]]
Simply known as the Voxs-kull. These things are essentially Duolingo in the shape of a floating human skull with an attached microphone. Considered as one of the more civilian-friendly and useful variants of servo-skulls. Lingua-Vox-skulls are incredibly specialised for that one purpose only, so their systems of communication and translation is incredibly advanced.
 
As you can imagine, these flying halloween decorations are  useful for [[Ambassador Imperialis|diplomats]] and [[Rogue Trader (Warhammer 40,000)|explorers,]] a Lingua-Vox-skull is a specially designed Servo-skull equipped with an advanced linguistic cogitation engine. The Lingua-Vox hovers just over the shoulder of its master, aiding them in translating and understanding unfamiliar tongues.
 
Its Tau equivelent would be the [[Escort Drone]], but without the gun.
 
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Lingua-Vox are made from those working in the [[Ambassador Imperialis]].
{{Clear}}
===Monotask-skull===
[[File:Mono-task_Skull.PNG|120px|right|thumb|Even in death. I am still a pencil-pusher.]]
Possibly the most common and iconic of servo-skulls.
 
Monotask-skulls are designed and equipped to offer assistance with a particular task, and most are fitted with a basic set of extendable manipulator pincers and whatever else by way of gear their duty requires.
 
They are multi-useful and most of them even comes with in-built printer to act as a floating scribe for speeches and events. When you think of servo-skull, this is the one that pops out in your mind. Considered as civilian constructs, monotasks are often unarmed, so they don't do too well in the heat of battle and find more comfort in a [[Fortress-Monastery]] than anything else.
 
[[Tl;dr]], they are 40k's equivelent of the iPhone. Fuckers are ''everywhere''.


{{Topquote|[[TTS|Imperials are so fucking nasty, I swear to]] [[Ruinous Powers|the gods...]]|[[Magnus the Red|Wide Ahriman]], agreeing on Bobby's sentiments}}
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a monotask are made from those working in the [[Administratum]].
{{Clear}}
===Servo Commissar-skull===
[[File:Commissar_Skull.PNG|150px|right|thumb|Yes. It looks like something out of [[/v/|Oddworld.]]]]
The absolutely [[wat|''ridiculous Servo Commissar-skull'']] are pre-programmed with litanies and admonishments, used by [[Commissar]]s. As one can imagine, heaving a servo-skull with a giant Commissar cap is going to look fucking ridiculous and funny due to how over-the-top it is.


[[File:Cherub.png|300px|right|thumb|Wild flying babies. Unfortunately trying to put a diaper on one of them is a painful and arduous task.]]
They broadcast these sayings in order to properly motivate Guardsmen, as well as to remind them of their duty to the Imperium. But quite frankly, some believes that they are used when the Commissar is feeling like a lazy fuckwit on-duty. Now, questions on whether it is capable of [[Blam|Blamming]] Guardsmen is unknown, but it wouldn't surprise us.
One particularly messed-up variant of a servo-skull is the '''cherub''' (plural: '''cherubim'''), which uses a vat-grown baby instead of a dead servant's skull as the base structure and therefore have much more in common with your garden variety [[servitors]] rather than simple robotic machines.


It sounds like something [[Slaanesh]] dreamed up, but apparently it's all the rage for higher-ups in the [[Ecclesiarchy]] to have little choirs of the things to sing hymns.
They are best shown as an add-on for the video game, [[Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr]]. [[Lulz|Yes. That servo-skull is using the barrel of a gun as a cigar.]]


One member of the GW staff went to an extraordinary length in describing where they came from and what various purposes they are suited for. According to the history, they first turned up in M33 to celebrate the ascension of the [[Emperor]] to the Golden Throne, where the [[Adeptus Mechanicus|Adeptus Biologicus]] released 2000 cherubs into the Throne Chamber (one for each year of his enthronement) where they all flew up into the rafters to sing hymns and remain there still, being maintained by the Mechanicum, and presumably shitting on everything just like pigeons do. This act just serves to make The Emperor's torment greater, not just because of the Religious reasons, but because Cherubs are made from Babies.
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Servo Commissar-skull are made from those working in the [[Schola Progenium]]. Now whether it is also crafted from fallen Commissars. Now ''that'', is a question for the ages.
{{Clear}}
===Servo-hunter===
[[File:Servo-Hunter.PNG|100px|right|thumb|Imagine a CCTV camera that can fly.]]
A variant Servo-skull often utilized by [[Enforcer Security Force|planetary Enforcer cadres and less well-funded enforcement agencies]] which do not have access to the meticulously-engineered [[Cyber-Mastiff|Cyber-mastiffs]] or Grapplehawks of the [[Adeptus Arbites]]. These agents make use of shoddily constructed cyber-familiars to carry out similar duties.  


While singing hymnals is certainly what Cherubim are most well-known for, they do have a number of other roles, since unlike servo-skulls they do have at least some level of intellect to be able to perform complicated tasks.
Servo-hunters are classic examples of such second-rate technology: these small, comparatively simplistic familiars are an inferior local variant of a Servo-skull, tasked with the exploration of a fixed location and the identification of any potential targets within. Popular amongst the Enforcers of the worlds of the Malfi Sub-sector, Servo-hunters are traditionally encased within the skulls of faithful hunting hounds, as the deceased animal's spirit is said to ensure that the drone's rudimentary logic-engine remains loyal and fierce, although human skulls are still used as well as that image can attest.  


Goge Vandire had them installed EVERYWHERE during the [[Age of Apostasy]], acting as mobile CCTV cameras so he could spy on everyone looking for sedition.
A Servo-hunter, when activated and released, will float silently on tiny lift-motor gravitic suspensors and begin to search a nominated area for any targets which match preset parameters (usually human-sized heat sources). When these are located, it will provide its handler with some audible alarm, and will remain alongside the target, sounding that alarm, until deactivated. The Servo-hunter can also be used to patrol an area for intruders, or simply alert the controller if anyone approaches.


Some [[Rogue Trader (RPG)|starships]] have Cherubim aeries installed to help out with menial everyday tasks, though this generally freaks out the common crew as having feral babies flying above your head is pretty poor for morale.
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Servo-hunter are made from humans or animals working in a [[Enforcer Security Force]].
{{Clear}}
===Scryerskull===
[[File:Scryerskull.PNG|90px|right|thumb|Cawl's noodly brothers.]]
A Scryerskull is a type of servo-skull deployed for tactical advantage on the battlefield.


[[Roboute Guilliman|Guilliman]] is not a fan of them (see above quote). Neither is Magnus the Red. We can't blame them.
The [[tech-priest]]s of the [[Adeptus Mechanicus]] take the assessment and exploitation of battlefield resources very seriously indeed - so much so that many of them continue their work in this role beyond the point of death as servo-skulls dedicated to tactical analysis, transmitting a torrent of binharic code outlining battlefield strengths and weaknesses back to their masters.  


===Types of Cherub===
As you can imagine, these are the go-to servo-skulls for the AdMech and function as mobile, floating computers that can further enhance a tech-priests' computational power. [[Belisarius Cawl|Uncle Cawl]] is known to use ''several'' of them due to how old his processing power is.
Other less documented roles include:
*'''Butler''' - Basically a house menial, attends to cleaning and serving things when expected.
*'''Crusader''' - Adorable teddy bear sized servitors in plate, as if being surrounded by armoured babies makes you appear more threatening.
*'''Custodian''' - Tattooed with Hexagrammatic Wards, these ones are trusted to carry proscribed artifacts.
*'''Foci''' - Psychically attuned to their masters, and can be used as psyber familiars.
*'''[[Watchers in the Dark|Gregori]]''' - Little dudes with freakishly large eyes, fitted with auspex scanners
*'''Harpy''' - Babies with blades attached to their feet, are almost always female and are used as combat pests.
*'''Incensor''' - Babies carting around fog machines. [[Sisters of Battle]] tend to use them to help refocus their faith.
*'''Love Angel''' - Cupid in 40k for people who like to be [[/d/|watched by cyborg-children while they do it]] ''(You wish I was kidding)''. They exude pheromones to heighten sexual attraction. How the fuck this has not gotten purged as Slaaneshi heresy is unknown.
*'''Reaper''' - Babies dressed in dark robes, come equipped with [[Digital Weapons|digi-weapons]] to remove people bothering their masters.
*'''Shining''' - these have refractor fields built into somewhere in their bodies. Not really useful to its master unless you send it somewhere for a different reason where it's likely to be destroyed.
*'''Squire''' - Babies with muscle augmentations, which can hilariously make them stronger than full grown adult humans. Their purpose is to hold whatever gets passed to them by their master.
*'''Stenographer''' - a much more discrete quill servitor, records everything said in its location.
*'''Swift''' - Much larger wings which allows them to generate more thrust and speed.
*'''Sycophant''' - Carries around a mirror to let you know how special you are.
*'''Tailor''' - fixes clothing handed to them using an onboard supply of thread.
*'''Weapons Loader''' - exactly what it says, tiny people trained to reload a weapon when it's given to them. Space Marine [[Devastator Squad]]s in particular use these quite frequently (named as ''Armourium Cherub'').


While some Cherubs can be manufactured to perform multiple roles, there is always a limit to how much a single servitor can be expected to carry out. Hence, you might find a pack of cherubs built as butlers to attend the care of a household, but also double up as harpies to chase off unwelcome guests.
Like all things servo-skull, the Scryerskull as aforementioned are made from the remains of long-dead [[Tech-priest]]s with a [[Rule 34|technophillia]] beyond that of even most AdMech standards.
<gallery>
Cawl.jpg|Try to find as many Scryerskulls as possible.
</gallery>
===Skull Probe===
[[File:Skull_Probe.PNG|140px|right|thumb|The Space Marine's UAV.]]
The Skull Probe is a military device utilised by Loyalist [[Space Marine Chapter]]s for reconnaissance. It appeared as a skull-shaped drone that hovered a meter above the ground, so it appeared to be a variant of the anti-gravitic Servo-skull commonly used by a wide variety of Imperial Adepta.  


Thus there is actually a second list of more complicated tasks that Cherubim might also be created to perform usually to the exclusion of anything else:
It was capable of stealth and quick flight that was faster than most units could move on foot, though it could not hover over obstacles. A Skull Probe is valuable to the [[Space Marine]]s as a scouting unit for its mobility and inexpensiveness, though they were unarmed and quite fragile. They were able to temporarily neutralise an enemy structure, allowing the Space Marines a temporary tactical advantage, though this usage would destroy the skull in the process.
*'''Chorister''' - The typical singing Cherub that is well known across the Imperium. Probably more complicated because they need to know an extensive back-catalogue of songs to sing. Some also know how to play instruments and carry around incense burners.
*'''Generator''' - Essentially a flying force-field. These ones have massive, clunky power field generators built into their bodies.
*'''Grenadier''' - Dressed up like little soldiers, these ones carry bombs and set them up wherever ordered to by their masters.
*'''Healer''' - A medic, equipped with a variety of medicinal tools. Unlike a medical servo-skull, which are tools for 40k doctors and carry their kit where directed, these little critters can actually attend to wounds and simple illnesses on their own without prompting.
*'''Jailer''' - Floating interrogation tools, carrying psy-nulling manacles, shock collars and a variety of drugs. Basically your BDSM baby.
*'''Messenger''' - much more complex than messenger servo-skulls. Rather than hunting for a person based on likeness alone, they are equipped with pheromone sensors and can track a target by smell and deliver a cogitators worth of information. They are also always built as '''Swift''' Cherubs too for quick movement.
*'''Pariah''' - They can do it via cloning anyway due to blank souls not having troubles in cloned bodies, making Inquisitorial Agents and Culexus Assassins, so why not have an untouchable baby? Comes with a handy limiter to turn the field on and off.
*'''Sage''' - Carries archeotech relics that perform specific effects, because nothing says opulence like having feral flying midgets using your most fragile and expensive equipment for you.
*'''Seer''' - Blind cherubs that have somehow been [[Astropath|Soul-bound]] to the Emperor, which must make them hellishly expensive/rare if this is the case. Their purpose though is to channel psychic backwash from perils of the warp from psychic masters.
*'''Spy''' - Little [[Ninja]] servitors often cloaked in Chameleoline, they have augmented lungs that allow them to resist airborne toxins, a sophisticated on-board suite of short ranged cyber senses for detecting poisons and they also have implanted multi-keys and know how to pick locks.


===Nephilim===
They appear only in the [[Dawn of War]] games.
In quite possibly the most [[grimdark]] of grimdarkness, there is actually an upper category of Cherubim, referred to as '''Nephilim''' (which means [[Dark Angels|Fallen]]).


While it is rumoured that rarely a tech-priest can create a master-crafted Cherub with a considerably higher intellect, the truth is that occasionally Cherubs are manufactured using [[grimdark|ACTUAL BABIES]] rather than vat grown ones ''(perhaps too grimdark for mainstream GW, hence the article was labeled as "unofficial" with heavy emphasis on the inverted commas)''.
Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Skull Probe are made from failed aspirants or [[Chapter Serf]]s.
{{Clear}}
===Tome-skull===
[[File:Tome-skull_2.PNG|150px|right|thumb|The Bible holders of an Inquisition's Kill Team.]]
A new type of servo-skull released in Kill Team: Ashes of Faith.


The difference is that vat-grown servitors have no developed central nervous system, which essentially makes them living vegetables until they are given a directive to follow. In the case of human-servitors, they already have a developed CNS and therefore are able to be trusted with multiple complicated tasks and actually use their initiative to figure out what needs doing.
The Tome-skull is a key robot used when accompanying a Kill Team of [[Inquisitorial Agents]]. The main job of the Tome-skull, as its name implies, is to carry a important Imperial tome across the party. Why ''that'' is the case is unknown. If it is used for [[Ecclesiarchy|Ecclesiarchical]] purposes, than I guess it makes some sense.


Thankfully, it numbers the times that Nephilim have been made since they are regarded as extremely uncommon; only 22 times since M36 and each for personal reasons determined by the owner and not just for [[powergamer|creating a "better"]] Cherub.
Either way, the Tome-skull acts more like a neat cheer leader of sorts. By itself, it is harmless like most servo-skulls. Taking one down is going to sting a little, especially for morale purposes.
*One Nephil, "L", was a psyker of such power that it was impossible to transport her via Black Ship, so the Inquisition fixed her into an angelic lightning rod that served the inquisitor for 157 years until it was destroyed by a Daemonhost.
*Another case file was on Maya's World in 076.M41, where a certain Lord Torrington had his comatose son made into a Nephil rather than watch him die. Unfortunately, due to [[Administratum|Imperial inheritance law]], the Servitor [[Fail|was eventually named Duke]] and has been the head of the house ever since.


Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Tome-skull are made from either someone in the [[Ecclesiarchy]] or the [[Administratum]].
<gallery>
Tome-skull.PNG
</gallery>
==Cherubim==
''For more information see here:[[Cherubim]]''
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Revision as of 13:17, 18 June 2023

In all their grimey fashion

A servo-skull is a kind of machine used by the Imperium of Man. They are made from the skull of a deceased Imperial servant with a cogitator, some sensoria, and a hover-drive installed to make it move. What better way to reward an adept of the Administratum for his decades of shuffling around papers that nobody ever reads again than to make his skull into a little flying robot?

Uses

Much like the drones used by the Tau Empire, the Imperium puts servo-skulls to many purposes. Some of them are used as pict-recorders and message couriers, others as remote viewers linked to a controlling tech-priest, still others as psychic foci or targeting computers to assist Inquisitors and their retinues. Occasionally they have pistol sized weapons and can be used as assassination tools or a hands-free ranged weapon.

On the 40k tabletop, if you field Grey Knights they are often considered a prerequisite. They are placed on the battlefield (and can be placed anywhere outside the enemy deployment zone) after deployment areas have been determined, but before any forces are deployed. Enemy infiltrators cannot set up within 12" of a Servo-skull and enemy scouts can't use their pre-game move to approach within 12" of a Servo-skull. A friendly unit arriving by Deep Strike rolls one D6 less for scatter if it aims to arrive within 12" of a Servo-skull and friendly blast templates placed within 12" of a Servo-skull roll one D6 less for scatter. They can't technically be destroyed, but if an enemy gets within 6" of one it will be removed from play.

Whilst in 30k, they behave as familiars and are taken as wargear attached to your characters. Granting them an extension of their senses, which translates into +1 to invulnerable saves due to enhanced reflexes and also allows them to re-roll characteristic tests (like Toughness or Initiative).

Famous Heads

One particularly "renowned" Servo-Skull is that of Brother Brantor who was a marksman in the Deathwatch. Somehow rather than getting the honoured rest that he deserved, his head never left the service of the Ordos Xenos, who then fitted it with a stealth anti-grav and a whole range of sensors and auspexes (presumably because a Space Marine's skull might be big enough to fit everything) which makes it/him extremely useful for recon missions and the like. Improbably, the skull is also a better close combatant with an increased weapon skill, which certainly cannot be a carry over of experience, since all brain matter is replaced with cogitators, so obviously the Ordos Xenos still knows how to get access to high-quality artificial intelligence or warp shenanigans are afoot.

An unusually talkative Servo-Skull is found among the crew of the Caestus Metalican in Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus. Formerly a Magos Dominus, Servo-Skull Reditus acts considerably more intelligent than others of his kind, providing commentary on various issues faced by the tech-priests. In fact, the game's intro is narrated by Reditus as he waxes lyrical on the joys of being freed from flesh and serving the Omnissiah in death. His primary duty is to act as the POV camera for the turn-based battles against the Necrons, allowing player character Magos Dominus Faustinius to better command his troops. Considering that most other Servo-Skulls are creepy mute robo-drones and not undead tech-priests spouting philosophy he's probably an example of tech-heresy. On the other hand, a common procedure among members of the Mechanicus is getting the right hemisphere of their brain replaced with a cogitator, so this could just be a Ship of Theseus type of situation.

Notable Variants

Like Tau Drones and Squigs, if there is a function, there is a Servo-skull for this. There is a shit-ton of servo-skull variants, but we are listing the ones where we have sufficient information and images of. These are:

Data Skull

Imagine turning your skull into an iPad.

Data Skulls contain a data screen set into their backs.

This makes them the perfect item for relaying important targeting data, recording the findings of Inquisitorial investigations and many other uses. They are also used by other branches of the Imperiums such as the Adeptus Astartes and the Imperial Guard as well. Knowlwedge is power after all, and having a mobile computer tag along with you is pretty neat.

By some, its functions overlap with the Scryerskull used by the Adeptus Mechanicus. The main difference it seems, is that the Data Skull is less complex and advance, but it is overall cheaper to produce. Data Skulls often work with cogitators as a result.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Data Skull are made from those working in any institution local, galactic or otherwise, in the military sector.

Gheistskull

BEEP BEEP BOOM!

The Imperium's loitering munitions bomber.

Gheistskulls like all servo-skulls, are made from the skulls of deceased Imperial subjects, in this case, the Imperial Navy Breachers. They carry compact explosives that launches devastating EMP waves that will fuck up any nearby machinery.

Nevertheless, self-destructing isn't its main job although it is a sweet bonus. Its main use like most servo-skulls, is in reconnaissance. Given the dangers of boarding actions in the 41st Millennium, this makes sense to use a disposable robot to scout out ahead.

They accompany Breacher teams, during boarding attacks and are controlled largely by the Navis Void-Jammer.

Crunchwise, these things are meant to frustrate TEQs more then GEQs since TEQs usually have more technological nick-knacks for its EMP to exploit. When self-destructing it hits anyone within 2"/circle of the skull. While it's not very dangerous, EMP makes it have a Lethal equal to the enemy's armour save.

Guardian-skull

The Emprah's drone strikes. Art by qsy-draws-a-lot.

AKA the Gun-skull or Combat-skull or the Imperium's UCAV Drone Strike, the Guardian-skull unlike most servo-skulls is built for combat in mind.

Designed with a somewhat reinforced structure and fitted with a single, efficient weapon system and targeting selection programs, Guardian-skulls -- also known as Gun-skulls and Combat-skulls depending on their armament, whether it be ranged or melee -- are uncommon but prestigious and effective bodyguard devices.

On Necromunda, a Gun-skull is usually equipped with a compact autopistol and will target whatever or whoever the owner does when they make a ranged attack. Their small size, tireless vigilance, and ability to hover in the shadows silently make them surprisingly discreet and effective servants.

Its Weeaboo equivalent would be the Gun Drone.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Guardian-skull are made from those working in any institution local, galactic or otherwise, in the military sector.

Lingua-Vox-skull

Duolingo of the 41st Millennium.

Simply known as the Voxs-kull. These things are essentially Duolingo in the shape of a floating human skull with an attached microphone. Considered as one of the more civilian-friendly and useful variants of servo-skulls. Lingua-Vox-skulls are incredibly specialised for that one purpose only, so their systems of communication and translation is incredibly advanced.

As you can imagine, these flying halloween decorations are useful for diplomats and explorers, a Lingua-Vox-skull is a specially designed Servo-skull equipped with an advanced linguistic cogitation engine. The Lingua-Vox hovers just over the shoulder of its master, aiding them in translating and understanding unfamiliar tongues.

Its Tau equivelent would be the Escort Drone, but without the gun.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Lingua-Vox are made from those working in the Ambassador Imperialis.

Monotask-skull

Even in death. I am still a pencil-pusher.

Possibly the most common and iconic of servo-skulls.

Monotask-skulls are designed and equipped to offer assistance with a particular task, and most are fitted with a basic set of extendable manipulator pincers and whatever else by way of gear their duty requires.

They are multi-useful and most of them even comes with in-built printer to act as a floating scribe for speeches and events. When you think of servo-skull, this is the one that pops out in your mind. Considered as civilian constructs, monotasks are often unarmed, so they don't do too well in the heat of battle and find more comfort in a Fortress-Monastery than anything else.

Tl;dr, they are 40k's equivelent of the iPhone. Fuckers are everywhere.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a monotask are made from those working in the Administratum.

Servo Commissar-skull

Yes. It looks like something out of Oddworld.

The absolutely ridiculous Servo Commissar-skull are pre-programmed with litanies and admonishments, used by Commissars. As one can imagine, heaving a servo-skull with a giant Commissar cap is going to look fucking ridiculous and funny due to how over-the-top it is.

They broadcast these sayings in order to properly motivate Guardsmen, as well as to remind them of their duty to the Imperium. But quite frankly, some believes that they are used when the Commissar is feeling like a lazy fuckwit on-duty. Now, questions on whether it is capable of Blamming Guardsmen is unknown, but it wouldn't surprise us.

They are best shown as an add-on for the video game, Warhammer 40,000: Inquisitor - Martyr. Yes. That servo-skull is using the barrel of a gun as a cigar.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Servo Commissar-skull are made from those working in the Schola Progenium. Now whether it is also crafted from fallen Commissars. Now that, is a question for the ages.

Servo-hunter

Imagine a CCTV camera that can fly.

A variant Servo-skull often utilized by planetary Enforcer cadres and less well-funded enforcement agencies which do not have access to the meticulously-engineered Cyber-mastiffs or Grapplehawks of the Adeptus Arbites. These agents make use of shoddily constructed cyber-familiars to carry out similar duties.

Servo-hunters are classic examples of such second-rate technology: these small, comparatively simplistic familiars are an inferior local variant of a Servo-skull, tasked with the exploration of a fixed location and the identification of any potential targets within. Popular amongst the Enforcers of the worlds of the Malfi Sub-sector, Servo-hunters are traditionally encased within the skulls of faithful hunting hounds, as the deceased animal's spirit is said to ensure that the drone's rudimentary logic-engine remains loyal and fierce, although human skulls are still used as well as that image can attest.

A Servo-hunter, when activated and released, will float silently on tiny lift-motor gravitic suspensors and begin to search a nominated area for any targets which match preset parameters (usually human-sized heat sources). When these are located, it will provide its handler with some audible alarm, and will remain alongside the target, sounding that alarm, until deactivated. The Servo-hunter can also be used to patrol an area for intruders, or simply alert the controller if anyone approaches.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Servo-hunter are made from humans or animals working in a Enforcer Security Force.

Scryerskull

Cawl's noodly brothers.

A Scryerskull is a type of servo-skull deployed for tactical advantage on the battlefield.

The tech-priests of the Adeptus Mechanicus take the assessment and exploitation of battlefield resources very seriously indeed - so much so that many of them continue their work in this role beyond the point of death as servo-skulls dedicated to tactical analysis, transmitting a torrent of binharic code outlining battlefield strengths and weaknesses back to their masters.

As you can imagine, these are the go-to servo-skulls for the AdMech and function as mobile, floating computers that can further enhance a tech-priests' computational power. Uncle Cawl is known to use several of them due to how old his processing power is.

Like all things servo-skull, the Scryerskull as aforementioned are made from the remains of long-dead Tech-priests with a technophillia beyond that of even most AdMech standards.

  • Try to find as many Scryerskulls as possible.
    Try to find as many Scryerskulls as possible.

Skull Probe

The Space Marine's UAV.

The Skull Probe is a military device utilised by Loyalist Space Marine Chapters for reconnaissance. It appeared as a skull-shaped drone that hovered a meter above the ground, so it appeared to be a variant of the anti-gravitic Servo-skull commonly used by a wide variety of Imperial Adepta.

It was capable of stealth and quick flight that was faster than most units could move on foot, though it could not hover over obstacles. A Skull Probe is valuable to the Space Marines as a scouting unit for its mobility and inexpensiveness, though they were unarmed and quite fragile. They were able to temporarily neutralise an enemy structure, allowing the Space Marines a temporary tactical advantage, though this usage would destroy the skull in the process.

They appear only in the Dawn of War games.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Skull Probe are made from failed aspirants or Chapter Serfs.

Tome-skull

The Bible holders of an Inquisition's Kill Team.

A new type of servo-skull released in Kill Team: Ashes of Faith.

The Tome-skull is a key robot used when accompanying a Kill Team of Inquisitorial Agents. The main job of the Tome-skull, as its name implies, is to carry a important Imperial tome across the party. Why that is the case is unknown. If it is used for Ecclesiarchical purposes, than I guess it makes some sense.

Either way, the Tome-skull acts more like a neat cheer leader of sorts. By itself, it is harmless like most servo-skulls. Taking one down is going to sting a little, especially for morale purposes.

Like all things servo-skull, it is likely that the skulls of a Tome-skull are made from either someone in the Ecclesiarchy or the Administratum.

Cherubim

For more information see here:Cherubim

Forces of the Inquisition
Command: Inquisitor (Ordo Malleus Inquisitor - Ordo Hereticus Inquisitor
Ordo Xenos Inquisitor)
Retinue: Acolyte - Arbites Enforcer - Arco-flagellant - Astropath - Banisher
Cherubim - Chiurgeon - Crusaders - Daemonhost - Death Cult Assassin
Hierophant - Inquisitorial Agents - Inquisitorial Pyroclast - Jokaero
Ministorum Priest - Militarum Veteran Squad - Mystic - Pariah - Penal Legion
Penitent - Sanctioned Psyker - Sage (Autosavant - Lexmechanic - Sister Dialogous)
Servo-skull (Data Skull - Tome-skull) - Servitor - Sister Hospitaler - Warp-Seer
Auxiliaries: Inquisitorial Stormtroopers - Deathwatch - Grey Knights
Sisters of Battle - Callidus Assassin - Culexus Assassin
Eversor Assassin - Vindicare Assassin - Vanus Assassin
Venenum Asssassin
Vehicles: Chimera - Land Raider (Land Raider Crusader
Land Raider Redeemer) - Razorback - Rhino
Special Vehicles: Throne of Judgement
Flyers: Valkyrie
Spacecraft: Aquila Lander - Gun-Cutter - Inquisitorial Black Ship
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