Search the Community

This is part of the NPO Project. The images below represent my first real attempt at creating NPOs for the Asuryani. In the spirit of NPOs being "regular soldiers," I left this as purely Guardians, based on the Guardian Defender and Storm Guardian units presented in the codex. While I briefly considered creating a type of leader that might be on par with an Aspect Warrior (but not an Exarch), I felt that was a step beyond what this project is trying to achieve. I also considered including a Warlock and a Pathfinder. Warlocks are known to lead Guardians into battle, but since they're not part of the unit entry, I felt it was appropriate to leave them out. Similarly, Games Workshop has given us rules for snipers and Pathfinders are the natural representative for that role in the Asuryani armies, but I didn't think it was necessary. I may develop a Pathfinder [Sniper] datasheet later, but that seems like something that is too specific to missions and mission packs that use the sniper rules, so they're not necessary in the general use NPO roster. While I originally conceived of this as the "Asuryani" faction, I later changed it to "Asuryani Guardian" to allow for the possibility of other NPO team options from the Asuryani (I don't personally plan any, but I could easily see where other players might want to take things). Each NPO is presented on two datasheets. The version on the left is the standard version, which I prefer. The version on the right omits the keywords, APL, and Move entries because mission packs often present mission special rules that dictate NPO force composition and NPO movement, rendering these entries irrelevant. The version on the right also leaves out NPO force composition notes, where applicable. For example, Storm Guardian Gunners are limited based on the number of total Storm Guardians, which is shown in the version on the left but not that on the right (since it would be dictated in the mission pack). (click the images to see full size versions) I tried to keep things as close as possible to the composition of each type of squad (Guardian Defender/Storm Guardian) as found in the codex. This required a little creativity which I hope doesn't create confusion. The stats for the flamer and fusion weapon were derived from similar weapons found in various other kill team faction rules (the fusion gun being a meltagun). Both platforms use rules similar to those used for servo skulls (i.e., don't participate in Fights, reduced APL when determining control of a marker, effect of having a Conceal order). I don't know that these are the "right" rules to give them, but they're a starting point. Something I did with both was require that some Asuryani Guardian NPO be within 1" of these platforms for them to perform behaviours (though the Serpent's Scale Platform is supposed to provide its defensive benefits regardless). I based the shuriken cannon rules (Heavy Weapon Platform) on the Voidscarred Corsairs, and the defensive rules for the Serpent's Scale Platform on the shimmershield of the Blades of Khaine (though the range was modified to be in line with the Warhammer 40,000 counterpart). You may see some inconsistencies in the left/right versions, in which case I'll provide the intended rules in replies here. Something I found is that developing the behaviours of each NPO is much more challenging than I first thought it would be. It requires going through a logical sequence and developing correct descriptions, where applicable. I don't know that the versions I've presented here are necessarily the right ones, but they provide a decent starting point. I imagine that discussion here will refine things so that we can improve upon these. While I have begun working on ideas for NPOs from other factions (I'm starting with the other Aeldari sub-factions), each will be covered in their own discussion so that each discussion can remain focused. The intent is to finalize these (only after the other NPO factions have been developed and finalized so that there can be some level of consistency and balance) and present each faction as a downloadable file.

Hi everyone, I've been working on a project for a few months creating aspect warrior styled wraithlords - because not every soul stone plugged into one of these wraith constructs is going to come from a dead farmer who died in glorious battle, right? Don't get me wrong, I love the vanilla wraith constructs and I think their designs are an absolute classic (as most Eldar designs are - yes I'm biased), but it would be nice to give them a little more flavour for the heroic spiritstones who died while following one of the warrior paths. All of the wraithlords for the main infantry aspect shrines (barring warp spiders and shadow spectres) are already converted and one is completely finished and painted. As such, I'll be posting WIP pics of them from completion of the conversions up to them being fully painted. I may also do a few more for other paths (the afformentioned warp spiders and shadow spectres, but also possibly a ranger wraithlord and who knows what else?), but those will be started somewhere down the line, possibly after I've finished painting the ones I have converted so far. So, to kick things off, here's a group pic of all the converted wraithlords, barring the one that is painted, which was completed last but ironically painted first. From left to right, I have: Vanilla wraithlord with converted double handed sword grip (who is the companion for another modelling project who's already completed and painted - I may post her here, too...) Striking Scorpion wraithlord with converted mandiblasters, chainsword and modified, sneaky pose. Dark Reaper wraithlord with double missile launchers, antenna and double shuriken catapult Dire Avenger wraithlord with handheld shuriken cannon, back-slung wraithsword and telescoped camera Swooping Hawk wraithlord with handheld bright lance, exarch hawk wings backpack and decoractive shoulder guard wingtips, plus landing (or possibly taking off backwards) pose. Howling Banshee wraithlord with double swords, converted head/hair and balancing (hopefully graceful looking) one footed pose. The vanilla, scorpion and banshee wraithlords are based on other people's conversions. I'll update with individual pics of each wraithlord over the coming weeks, starting with the only one not pictured (Fire Dragon) in the next few days. Hope people enjoy them!

This is where I'll post stuff for my Aeldari of all persuasions. I've been working on the Anger & Arrogance event, so let's start this thread with my latest vow (#5 for those keeping track). Vow 5 I'm also considering how to paint future craft world models. I've extended my galaxy pattern to wave serpents so think new craft world faction is in the works. I'm leaning towards gray with teal accents. I tried purple and daemonette hide, but didn't get the look I wanted. I've got a bunch of stuff including: the new combat patrol a guardians box a rangers box 2 boxes of banshees an autarch box On the drukhari side, I've got one and a half combat patrols to paint. I am not pleased with my prior custodes color scheme, so am looking to use a complement to the craftworld colors - possibly teal with orange or light blue highlights.

Aeldari vanguard try to retake relics stolen by Orks. I lost 1-2 in a nail biter. Had I made one more save on that last turn, I'd have pulled it out. Can't ask for much better. Thanks for looking.

https://www.warhammer-community.com/2023/12/13/mix-and-match-aspect-warriors-to-create-the-deadliest-blades-of-khaine-kill-team/ This is one of the Asuryani kill teams that I've been waiting for. Short description (for those that haven't read the Warhammer Community article - link above) - you can mix and match Dire Avengers, Howling Banshees, and Striking Scorpions, with one Exarch from one of those shrines, into a single kill team. This is the Craftworlders' "veteran" kill team (I don't count the Anhrathe/Corsairs as "Craftworlders"). All I need now is a Black Guardians kill team and I'll have my Aeldari trifecta.

These rules are my personal take on the progression of the Exarchs, as discussed in the How are Phoenix Lords made? discussion, especially starting here. I have made some modifications to my original idea (second link) following feedback and further research. I'll provide the designer's notes separately. The following homegrown rules replace the Exarch Powers rules on pages 105-109 of Codex: Aeldari. EXARCH POWERS The Exarchs of the Aspect Warrior Shrines have long travelled the Path of the Warrior. Their skills honed over countless decades, centuries, and even millennia of war, they are amongst the finest fighters of the Asuryani. If your army is Battle-forged and includes any ASURYANI Detachments (excluding Auxiliary Support and Super-heavy Auxiliary Detachments), then when you are mustering your army, you can upgrade ASPECT WARRIOR units from your army that contains an Exarch model by advancing the Exarch through the Exarch ranks, chosen from those presented here. To do so, select one ASPECT WARRIOR unit that contains a model that has the word ‘Exarch’ in their profile, and select one of the Exarch ranks from those listed here. That unit gains the benefits of that rank and the profile of the Exarch is adjusted as indicated, based on their Aspect. You can also select any CRIMSON HUNTER unit from your army and upgrade that model to be an Exarch at one of the Exarch ranks. When you do so, select one of the Exarch ranks listed here for that model. Make a note on your army roster each time you upgrade a unit to advance its Exarch in rank. EXEMPLAR The unit gains the EXEMPLAR keyword and one Exarch Power. The Exarch’s profile is adjusted to the Exemplar profile shown here. The unit’s Power Rating is increased by 1. If you are playing a matched play game, or a game that uses a points limit, then the points value of the Exarch model is also increased by the amount shown for the selected Exarch Power in the tables here. PARAGON The unit gains the PARAGON keyword. The Exarch’s profile is adjusted to the Paragon profile shown here. The unit’s Power Rating is increased by 2. If you are playing a matched play game, or a game that uses a points limit, then the points value of the Exarch model is also increased by 10 points. REVERED The unit gains the REVERED keyword and one Exarch Power. The Exarch’s profile is adjusted to the Revered profile shown here. The unit’s Power Rating is increased by 3. If you are playing a matched play game, or a game that uses a points limit, then the points value of the Exarch model is also increased by the amounts shown for the selected Exarch Powers in the tables here. ANCIENT The unit gains the ANCIENT keyword. The Exarch’s profile is adjusted to the Ancient profile shown here. The unit’s Power Rating is increased by 4. If you are playing a matched play game, or a game that uses a points limit, then the points value of the Exarch model is also increased by 10 points. ASCENDED The unit gains the ASCENDED keyword and one Exarch Power. The Exarch’s profile is adjusted to the Ascended profile shown here. The unit’s Power Rating is increased by 5. If you are playing a matched play game, or a game that uses a points limit, then the points value of the Exarch model is also increased by the amounts shown for the selected Exarch Powers in the tables here. Your army (or Crusade force) cannot include more than one unit with the same Exarch Power (and no more than one CRIMSON HUNTER model upgraded to be an Exarch). A Crusade force cannot start with any Exarchs upgraded to the Ancient or Ascended ranks, only one Exarch upgraded to the Paragon or Revered ranks, and only two Exarchs upgraded to the Exemplar ranks. To advanced beyond the starting Exarch ranks, you must purchase the appropriate requisitions (Exemplar of the Shrines, Paragon of the Shrines, Revered Warrior, Ancient Warrior, and Ascended Exarch; see later). Note: The “new” Exarch Powers that you see below are all copied verbatim from Psychic Awakening: Phoenix Rising, which was published during 8th Edition. These were chosen because they were different from the three Exarch Powers that are available to each of the different Aspects, most of which have similar names and/or rules to their 8th Edition counterparts. Some of these won’t work under the 9th Edition rules structure, but I’m using these as a starting point. These can be tweaked, replaced, re-named, etc. to give an appropriate amount of variety and work well within the 9th edition rules and Codex: Aeldari concepts. The ideal outcome is that each Aspect has three Exarch Powers that buff the squad and three that buff the Exarch, allowing for tailoring of Exarchs to players’ desires. I’ve omitted the lore portion of each of the “new” Exarch Powers. Note that I have left the Shadow Spectres out, though I hope to explore them later. EYES OF KHAINE, STRAFING ASSAULT, SWOOPING EVASION See Codex: Aeldari page 105. AERIAL PREDATOR When resolving an attack made with a ranged weapon by this model against a unit that can FLY, add 1 to the Damage characteristics of that weapon for that attack. HAWKEYE This model does not suffer the penalty for moving and firing Heavy weapons. AERIAL MANOEUVERING When this model moves, you can pivot it up to 180o before it moves, instead of up to 90o. BRINGER OF DEATH, FOCUSED FIRE, REAPER'S REACH See Codex: Aeldari page 108. DEADLY TOUCH When resolving an attack made with a melee weapon by this unit’s Dark Reaper Exarch, an unmodified wound roll of 6 inflicts 2 mortal wounds on the target in addition to any other damage. LONG-RANGED FIRE Whilst this unit contains a Dark Reaper Exarch, add 6” to the Range characteristic of ranged weapons models in this unit are equipped with. GRIM VISAGE Whilst this unit contains a Dark Reaper Exarch, subtract 1 from the Leadership characteristic of enemy units whilst they are within 6” of this unit. DEFENSIVE STANCE, SHREDDING FIRE, STAND FIRM See Codex: Aeldari page 106. BLADESTORM Whilst this unit contains a Dire Avenger Exarch, when resolving an attack made with a ranged weapon that does not have the Grenade type by a model in this unit, an unmodified hit roll of 6 scores 1 additional hit. DEFEND Whilst this unit contains a Dire Avenger Exarch, when resolving an attack made with a melee weapon against this unit, subtract 1 from the wound roll. AVENGING STRIKES Whilst this unit contains a Dire Avenger Exarch and any models from this unit have been destroyed, when resolving an attack made by a model in this unit, add 1 to the hit roll and wound roll. BLAZING FURY, BURNING HEAT, DRAGON'S BITE See Codex: Aeldari page 109. TANK KILLER When resolving an attack made with a firepike by this unit’s Fire Dragon Exarch against a VEHICLE unit, you can re-roll one D6 when making the damage roll. SWIFTSTEP Whilst this unit contains a Fire Dragon Exarch, when this unit Advances you can roll three D6 and discard two of the results. WALL OF FIRE When this unit fires Overwatch, a Fire Dragon Exarch in this unit equipped with a Dragon’s Breath Flamer can make a wall of fire attack. If he does so, instead of shooting with that model, roll one D6; on a 2+ the charging unit suffers D3 mortal wounds. GRACEFUL AVOIDANCE, NERVE-SHREDDING SHRIEK, PIERCING STRIKES See Codex: Aeldari page 107. DISARMING STRIKE At the start of the Fight phase, you can select one enemy model within 1” of this unit’s Howling Banshee Exarch. Subtract 2 from the Attacks characteristic of that enemy model (to a minimum of 1) until the end of that phase. WHIRLING BLADES Add 1 to the Attacks characteristic of this unit’s Howling Banshee Exarch. If that Howling Banshee Exarch is equipped with mirrorswords, add 2 to its Attacks characteristic instead. DECAPITATING STRIKES When resolving an attack made with a melee weapon by this unit’s Howling Banshee Exarch, an unmodified roll of 6 inflicts 1 mortal wound on the target in addition to any normal damage. EXPERT LANCERS, HEARTSTRIKE, LIGHTNING ATTACKS See Codex: Aeldari page 107. SWOOPING DIVE Whilst this unit contains a Shining Spear Exarch, when a charge roll is made for this unit, add 1 to the result. BLADEMASTER A paragon sabre that this unit’s Shing Spear Exarch is equipped with has a Damage characteristic of 3. SKILLED RIDER This unit’s Shining Spear Exarch has a 3+ invulnerable save against attacks made with ranged weapons. CRUSHING BLOWS, DEADLY AMBUSH, SCORPION'S STING See Codex: Aeldari page 108. STALKER Whilst this unit contains a Striking Scorpion Exarch and is wholly on or within a terrain feature, when resolving an attack made with a ranged weapon against this unit, subtract 1 from the hit roll. SCORPION'S GRASP When resolving an attack made with a scorpion claw by this unit’s Striking Scorpion Exarch, an unmodified hit roll of 6 inflicts 1 mortal wound on the target in addition to any normal damage. WITHDRAW At the end of the Fight phase, if this unit contains a Striking Scorpion Exarch and is within 1” of any enemy models, this unit can make a Fall Back move of up to 6” as if it were your Movement phase. RAPID REDEPLOYMENT, SUPPRESSING FIRE, WINGED EVASION See Codex: Aeldari page 109. RAPID ASSAULT If this unit made a charge move or was charged in this turn, add 2 to the Attacks characteristic of this unit’s Swooping Hawk Exarch this turn. FAST SHOT Ranged weapons this unit’s Swooping Hawk Exarch is equipped with have a Type characteristic of Assault 6. INTERCEPT Whilst this unit contains a Swooping Hawk Exarch, when resolving an attack made by a model in this unit against an enemy that can FLY, you can re-roll the hit roll. SPIDER'S LAIR, SURPRISE ASSAULT, WEB OF DECEIT See Codex: Aeldari page 108. WITHDRAW At the end of the Fight phase, if this unit contains a Warp Spider Exarch, this unit can make a Fall Back move of up to 6” as if it were your Movement phase. FLICKERING ASSAULT Whilst this unit contains a Warp Spider Exarch, models in this unit can pile in up to 6” instead of 3”. SPIDER'S BITE Powerblades that this unit’s Warp Spider Exarch is equipped with have a Strength characteristic of +1 and a Damage characteristic of 2. CRUSADE RULES (The Crusade Rules in Codex: Aeldari remain intact except as noted here.) REQUISITIONS The Exemplar of the Shrines Requisition is replaced with the following: The following Requisitions are also available:

When the Craftworld Eldar as we now know them were first introduced, there were six common Aspects: When the 2nd edition Codex: Eldar was published, we were also introduced to the Warp Spiders. In addition, the lore was expanded a bit: ...and... We didn't see actual Shining Spears miniatures until 3rd edition. The lore shifted a bit here and there through the editions, but remained fairly consistent. Two further additions to the Aspects were the Crimson Hunters and Shadow Spectres, who were introduced in 6th edition (the former via that edition's codex and the latter via The Doom of Mymeara). The Crimson Hunters are pilots and the Shadow Spectres are highly mobile with heavy firepower - mobile tank hunters. In addition, other minor Aspects have been mentioned in the lore, but not really described or released in miniature form. These include the Eagle Pilot(s?) in the novel Shadow Point, the Crystal Dragons in the novel Path of the Warrior, and the Ebon Talons in the novel Asurmen: Hand of Asuryan. The Eagle Pilot(s) are, as their name implies, fighter pilots of some kind (somehow different from the Crimson Hunters). The others, however, are not described (as far as I know - I haven't read either of those novels). At this point, it would be useful to identify each of the known Aspects, their battlefield role/specialism, and their signature weapon(s): Crimson Hunters - air superiority, Nightshade interceptor Crystal Dragons - unknown role, unknown weapons Dark Reapers - long range fire support, Reaper launcher Dire Avengers - general combat, Avenger shuriken catapult (these are the quintessential Aeldari warriors) Eagle Pilot - fighter pilots, unknown craft Ebon Talons - unknown role, unknown weapons Fire Dragons - tank-hunters/anti-structure, fusion guns Howling Banshees - melee combat, Banshee mask and power sword Shadow Spectres - anti-tank, Prism cannon Shining Spears - hit-and-run attacks, laser lance and Eldar jetbike Slicing Orbs [of Zandros] - unknown role, unknown weapons Striking Scorpions - melee combat and stealth, mandiblaster and chainsword Swooping Hawks - airborne infantry support, Swooping Hawk wings and grenade pack and lasblaster Warp Spiders - hit-and-run attacks, Warp Spider jump generator and death spinner What we generally see is that, though there is a degree of overlap, each Aspect is distinct. Prior to the Crimson Hunters, I perceived Aspect Warriors as individuals. With the release of the Crimson Hunters, however, we see that Aspects might also include larger vehicles. This is bolstered by the Eagle Pilot(s). This leads to the possibility that there might be other Aspects that similarly focus on employment of other vehicles - not just flyers, but potentially tanks, walkers, etc. Imagine some Aspect that specializes in enhanced use of the Fire Prism, or another that uses the Vyper (some distinctive Aspect that has two warriors operating as a team), or some Aspect that uses War Walkers. Then, too, there are different roles and weapons that haven't yet been represented on known Aspects. We've seen laser weapons employed by the Swooping Hawks, Shadow Spectres, and Shining Spears (not to mention those mounted on the craft of the Crimson Hunters); we've seen the Dire Avengers use their enhanced Avenger shuriken catapults; we've seen the Dark Reapers with their missile launchers and the Fire Dragons with their fusion guns. The Aeldari are also known for their mastery of sonic (dissonance) weapons, however, yet no known Aspects make use of such weapons (and I'm not counting the Banshee mask in this as that's a unique application, though it is a sonic weapon). Looking beyond these, what if there were an Aspect that specialized in larger vessels - the spacecraft of the Aeldari. Such Aspect warriors would be consummate "pilots" at the highest level. I don't know if such an Aspect would be probable, but they're possible if we extend the interpretation of warfare to higher levels. I imagine that many of the minor/unknown Aspects might be either very unusual, or they might simply be variations on a theme. Imagine an Aspect that takes the tank-hunters role of the Fire Dragons and Shadow Spectres, using dissonance weapons. I've been working on the Void Hornets Aspect, a melee-oriented Aspect specializes in void warfare and boarding actions (both attacking and defending). You can see the rules development here if you're interested. At one point I conceived of another melee specialist Aspect, one that evoked a bestial motif from Aeldari mythology (I had a lion in mind) - using claws. What kind of minor/additional Aspects can you think of?

First, here is the first draft of the rules. Introduction to the Void Hornets Void Hornets basic rules, explanation of masks Void Hornets stratagem and alternate Exarch powers (a la Phoenix Rising), shrine color scheme examples Selgairhán