March of the Iron-Bellied Warriors: Squats of Oldhammer Glory
March of the Iron-Bellied Warriors
This Oldhammer artwork bursts with color and character, showcasing a squad of Squats—Warhammer’s spacefaring dwarves—geared up and ready for battle. Each wears the iconic quilted armor that defined their classic aesthetic, paired with oversized red boots and gloves that add a bold, almost comical flair. Helmets are scattered at their feet, suggesting either a moment of rest or prideful posturing before combat. One figure hoists a massive missile launcher over his shoulder, while another plants a banner emblazoned with industrial and martial insignia. Their faces are thick with beards and attitude, reflecting centuries of cultural pride and stubborn resilience. The backdrop is minimal, allowing the viewer to focus entirely on their camaraderie and distinct individuality.
Steel, Brotherhood, and Firepower
The Squats in this image blend toughness with humor—a hallmark of Oldhammer design where gritty realism met British eccentricity. Their weapons are rugged and straightforward, much like their personalities, and every detail in their gear screams practicality born from generations of survival in the harshest conditions. These warriors stand not as elite superhumans like Space Marines, but as iron-willed survivors shaped by gravity-crushed worlds and machine cult traditions. From the determined scowl of the banner bearer to the casual readiness of the soldier with a lasgun, each figure radiates a defiant confidence. The colors of their uniforms suggest different clans or units, each bearing unique heraldry yet standing shoulder to shoulder as one. This visual unity underscores the Squats’ strong emphasis on kinship, engineering prowess, and shared legacy.
Lore of the Squats
In the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Squats were originally introduced as descendants of human colonists who settled high-gravity worlds rich in mineral wealth. Over time, these humans evolved into shorter, stockier forms—retaining human traits but adapting to their brutal environments. The Squats developed advanced technology, forming leagues and guilds that rivaled even the Adeptus Mechanicus in technical skill. Despite their loyalty to the Imperium, they always maintained a fierce independence, often negotiating their own terms in war and trade. For years, Squats vanished from mainstream lore, considered lost or consumed by Tyranids, but they remained beloved in Oldhammer circles. Recently, they’ve seen a resurgence in the form of the Leagues of Votann, bringing their legacy full circle with modern reimagining while honoring their original roots.
