Bone'ead

Among the dim-witted Ogryn species there exist certain rare individuals who, despite their primitive mind-set, exhibit a rare glimmer of intelligence, problem solving capabilities, memory, or natural drive. Such individuals quickly stand out among their brethren, making them ideal candidates for Biochemical Ogryn Neural Enhancement.

## Overview

Recipients of such procedures generally refer to themselves as "Bone'eads" and possess enhanced cognitive capabilities well beyond those of an unaltered specimen. Many are able to remember their own names, count some of their fingers, or even make tactical decisions beyond hitting things -- capabilities that quickly mark them as eligible for positions of limited authority. Bone'eads are often the brains of their units, and other Ogryns look to them for leadership both on and off the battlefield. To other Ogryns, the fact that a Bone'ead even holds his rank is often reason enough to obey, and most are content to trust that anyone who remembers as much as a Bone'ead probably knows best anyway.

As such, a Bone'ead's unit often has few disciplinary problems and a clearly established hierarchy, assuming everyone remembers what they are supposed to be doing at any given time. Bone'eads are brutal but effective leaders, bellowing orders over the din of combat and punctuating their shouts with vicious blows from their oversized weapons.

Where the average Ogryn is clumsy and ungainly, Bone'eads are much more coordinated than their primitive brethren and able to wield weapons with surprising dexterity, though their inherent clumsiness can never be completely eradicated. Despite their abilities, they are not particularly well-equipped compared to other Astra Militarum units, often fighting with the same weaponry as their unaugmented brethren. The main difference between a Bone'ead and his squad mates is the cerebral implants and modifications to their thick skulls. Despite their crude and sturdy appearance, these implants are actually quite sophisticated and capable of withstanding a fairly substantial amount of punishment -- particularly useful when such a device is borne by an Ogryn.

In combat, the procedures enacted upon a Bone'ead's brain are put to the ultimate test as they confront numerous decisions and obstacles of command head on. However, their determination and inhuman stubbornness often see them through such situations, while their unique physiology more than compensates for any lapses in discretion or judgement. As a result, an experienced Bone'ead is often capable of leading his fellow Abhumans more or less where he is told with a little practice. Despite their intelligence, Bone'eads naturally exhibit many qualities that define a good leader. They tend to be driven individuals, stubborn to a fault and unwilling to back down or admit defeat in even the most hopeless situations. Such dedication is often born of absolute faith in their superiors, whom Bone'eads trust implicitly and without reservation.

They are also not afraid to lead from the front, providing an example to their fellow Ogryn and encouraging them with simple, intuitive commands accompanied by bursts of fire from their ranged weapons. It is debatable whether this is learned behaviour or simple necessity, however, as the stupidity of many Ogryn recruits may render all but the simplest orders incomprehensible.

However, despite their training and modifications, no amount of cerebral tinkering can completely eliminate the Bone'ead's base instincts, and even the most intelligent individuals suffer from bouts of savagery. Some Bone'eads are even equipped with cerebral implants to magnify or enhance these tendencies, turning them into engines of destruction once certain criteria are met or trigger-phrases uttered via their vox-links. Regardless, a Bone'ead's rages are truly terrifying to behold.