bringing the altherians back in line with fluff...

[The Yosemite Bear]

well basically they are genetically modified humans, still very loyal to the species that they are descended from. Indeed besides inability to reproduce with other true humans their differences are mostly cosmetic..

Altherius is a flooded world, cites built on top of anchient barges, float accross the tempestous surface, while battles are fought between the different cities, on a daily basis over fishing grounds, slaves, trade, underwater mining facilities, etc. Typically an Altherian looks human, except that they 1. lack hair, 2. have webbing between fingers and toes, 3. have gene mods that allow them to use sonar, and keeps them highly resistant to nitrogen narcosis (dolphins).

Warfare: PT boat like vessels, and "Monitors" (floating tanks), generally battles degenerate to boarding actions, and close quarter's sniping, note all altherians are excellent swimmers, some have jetpacks for swimming at high speeds underwater, or making porpoise attacks against others. (general tech on Altherius has degenerated to the late 1800's tech level)

suggestions for making them 40k compatable again...

basically the back story was that the orginal colonists were modified with dolphin stock, to live, frequently underwater, on a mineral rich, mostly flooded planet. They technically are mutants (they were human, but changes were made), but due to certain factors, like genetic incompatability, they haven't divereged from their original type.

The original inspiration was the Green Hell series. also the idea of making the battles take place on moving "ships" where the models can perform boarding actions, sniper, or just try and blast each other with their heavy weapons....