The future of the lesser Aeldari sub-factions

[Ioldanach]

Let me preface this with a disclaimer that everything that follows is wishful thinking. I don't have any insight into what GW plans on doing, so none of this should be taken as rumor-mongering. This is simply a best-case scenario (in my opinion).

 

Bottom line up front: It would be great to see GW round the series of Aeldari codices out as three books (Craftworlds, Dark Eldar, Exiles).

 

The Craftworlds and Dark Eldar (or Drukhari, if you prefer) codices go without saying, so I'll focus on the "Exiles" codex.

 

Way back in the heady days of 2nd edition, the Eldar codex included rules for the Craftworld Eldar, Harlequins, Exodites, and Pirates. The Harlequins have enjoyed some degree of support ever since and will doubtless continue to be supported. Exodites, though still extant in the lore, have not been supported in rules from 3rd edition through the present. The Pirates of 2nd edition have split, first with the darker side developing into the Dark Eldar in 3rd edition, then with the later development of the lighter side into the Eldar Corsairs. Battlefleet Gothic (the tabletop miniature game, not the electronic game) included rules for the Eldar Corsairs via Yriel's Eldritch Raiders; and this was continued in the electronic version of the game. The Fantasy Flight Games Rogue Trader game also supported the Eldar Corsairs. And 6th edition saw Forge World gift us with The Doom of Mymeara, first giving us the WH40K rendition of the Eldar Corsairs as a throwback to the 1st edition rendition of the (pre-Craftworld rules) Eldar; and then bestowing the second printing of that book and fleshing out a great set of rules for the Eldar Corsairs.

 

Then came 8th edition and Forge World stopped producing the previously extant range of campaign books, minus the Horus Heresy series; and they instead gave the Eldar Corsairs lackluster rules in the form of the Index: Xenos rules.

 

However, the 8th edition Codex: Craftworlds, though lacking rules for the Eldar Corsairs, gave us a stronger description of the Eldar Corsairs than any previous version of the Eldar codices, including the 2nd edition codex in which there were actually rules. Those mentions of the Eldar Corsairs (see page 11) give me hope that the Eldar Corsairs will be supported to some degree, either in mainstream WH40K by GW, or via FW.

 

Another momentous creation was, naturally, the Ynnari. While they are mentioned in the lore of the 8th edition Codex: Craftworlds, they are not given any rules.

 

These two Aeldari sub-factions, the Eldar Corsairs and the Ynnari, share one very important feature. Each of these sub-factions has significant crossover with the other Aeldari sub-factions. The Eldar Corsairs (or Anhrathe, if you prefer) utilize many of the same weapons, wargear, and vehicles that are used by the Craftworld Eldar. They also utilize some of the weapons and wargear that are used by the Dark Eldar. Moreover, units from both the Craftworlds and Commorragh occasionally appear in Eldar Corsair forces (the mechanic for this happening depends upon which printing of The Doom of Mymeara you are using). Similarly, the Ynnari are composed of Aeldari from all of the various Aeldari sub-factions. The Harlequins, too, ally themselves with all of the Aeldari sub-factions (though apparently least with the Eldar Corsairs).

 

As we've seen, the Harlequins can support their own codex, albeit a small one.

 

The Eldar Corsairs, if they were ever transferred over from Forge World to Games Workshop proper, could also support their own codex. Such a codex could be larger than a Harlequin codex. Much of such a codex, though, would be nothing more than duplication of unit entries and rules from the Craftworld and Dark Eldar codices. We've seen some other lines transfer over from FW to GW, such as the Horus Heresy marks of Space Marine armor, the Contemptor dreadnoughts, and (most clearly) the Adeptus Arbites. Admittedly, these are all much more popular than the Eldar Corsairs, but they nevertheless demonstrate that such a transfer is possible. From an efficiency standpoint, I'd want the core Eldar Corsairs units to be included in the theoretical codex (i.e., those units, weapons, and wargear that are essential to and representative of the Eldar Corsairs).

 

The Ynnari wouldn't support their own codex, not even a very small one, unless they simply duplicated all of the rules and unit entries from the other codices.

 

However, all three of these Aeldari sub-factions could be consolidated into a single codex, either a medium-sized one that points to the two "main" Aeldari codices (Craftworlds and Dark Eldar) for relevant units or a very large one that duplicates relevant rules and unit entries from the two main codices.

 

There are two sides to the question of efficiency. In terms of version of rules, having a single codex that points to other codices means that the rules for the units, weapons, and wargear from those other codices are consistent and future Chapter Approved and FAQs only have to point to the parent codex. The converse of this is that players would need two or more codices (i.e., the theoretical Codex: Aeldari Exiles and either Codex: Craftworlds or Codex: Dark Eldar (or both)).

 

At the very least, we can expect to see the Harlequins and Ynnari supported, but it would be a gift to see the Eldar Corsairs supported.

 

I'm on the fence about the Exodites. They could be supported, but their presence in the lore seems to be more of a defensive nature. I wouldn't be at all opposed to seeing them included in my hypothetical (and wishful) "Codex: Aeldari Exiles," but I'm not sure if GW will commit to this.

 

The weak spot in all of my arguments (okay, the most significant weak spot - there are probably many weak spots ) is that GW won't support a (sub-)faction in the rules unless it has miniatures for the sub-faction. That's not a problem for the Ynnari. The Eldar Corsairs would require a bit of work. The Exodites, if they were supported, would require a bit more work (perhaps a re-working of the WHFB/AoS Dark Elves models). The conversion kits from FW satisfy many of their needs (though the main conversion kit, or a redone version, would have to be made available again). Eldar Rangers work well enough for the Ghostwalkers. The only real need would be for the Corsair characters (Corsair Princes might be comparable with Autarchs and Archons in terms of potency, but should have their own distinctive look, and the models should be capable of accepting the Corsair jump pack bits).

 

Now all of this is highly unlikely. We'll probably see the Harlequins given their own updated codex; and the Ynnari will probably get something of their own.

 

So if there isn't a consolidated Codex: Aeldari Exiles for the Harlequins, Ynnari, and Eldar Corsairs (and maybe the Exodites), I wouldn't be at all averse to the Eldar Corsairs getting their own dedicated codex. That's pipe-dreamy, too, though.

 

The most likely scenario is that we'll be left with continued support for the Eldar Corsairs (and potentially the Exodites) via Forge World, which wouldn't be a bad deal at all. The Eldar Corsairs would be easily supported via an update of The Doom of Mymeara (which would also support the other Asuryani units presented in the previous books). Alternately/additionally, I'd love to see a dedicated campaign in which an Exodite world is attacked, and the other Aeldari factions come to their aid. I'd love to see it focus on the Exodites and Corsairs, but practicality requires that a mainstream WH40K faction be represented in order to garner sufficient interest, so I presume that the Asuryani would also show up. The opposing faction could be pretty much anybody. While I'd love to see a xenos versus xenos campaign, FW's pattern seems to be that the Imperium must feature as one of the antagonists. I won't be picky here, other than to say that I'd like to see the Exodites survive the campaign. However FW does it, sooner would be better than later (which is pushy of me, I know).

 

Okay, that's a load off my chest. I admit that the "Codex: Aeldari Exiles" idea is a pipe dream (I'd still like to see it - it ranks right up there with stopping war and ending world hunger ).

 

How would you like to see the lesser Aeldari sub-factions supported?

 

(I've also posted this over at The Dark City since there's a different audience at both sites and I'm interested in a wide range of opinions.)

[Ezr91aeL]

I actually don't see in ForgeWorld the desire to actively support Corsairs anymore. I mean, look, the troop squad is not avaible anymore! Tha could mean two things: drop or codex. But I would look more at the drop.

What I think sooner or later (more probably later) is "True Exiles", I mean the guys that rides Velociraptors and T-Rex. They would be trully different than Craftworlds and Drukarii. Also I expect (and this sooner) to see some dedicated unit for the Ynnari.

[Skaorn]

I think each are worthy of a codex if done right. This would mean that they would need their own units and not rely on other codexes for them as well as work out things like why Exodite army is wandering around the galaxy picking fights. An army that is planet bound is not a good choice imo but they would be unique.

 

I think Ynnari will end this way, GW is just slowly easing their way into a brand new Eldar army unique to itself. I have no idea what such units would look like because of the limited background.

 

Cosairs would be hard to differentiate from just guardians to really make them unique. I can think of some basic unit ideas like a breaching unit or a unit that uses chemical warfare to clear out ships without igniting the atmosphere.

[Memento Of Prospero]

I doubt they will sustain a new line of models for Eldar. Eldar don't need more division through codex, they need a solid all encompassing one. A strong player concentration will motivate them to do more models and content.

 

You know you are in trouble as a faction when you aren't getting updated kits for existing units, except every 15 years when the standard is so low that people are starting to think that your Kabalite Warriors are actually reaper plastics.

[Ioldanach]

I actually don't see in ForgeWorld the desire to actively support Corsairs anymore. I mean, look, the troop squad is not avaible anymore! Tha could mean two things: drop or codex. But I would look more at the drop.

This one is difficult to tell. Forge World is still producing other Eldar Corsairs kits (heavy weapons, bikes, and Wasp), so there's still some level of support for the sub-faction. For all we know, FW may have dropped the main conversion kit because of problems with the molds, not with the line itself, and we might see them re-introduce a replacement kit at a later date. If FW drops all three of the extant kits, then it will be safe to say that they don't have "the desire to actively support Corsairs anymore." In the meantime, the evidence is clearly the opposite. Future concerted support from Forge World will require updated rules, most likely via a campaign book, as well as the replacement of the main Corsairs conversion kit. In the interim, we're left in a kind of limbo.

 

What I think sooner or later (more probably later) is "True Exiles", I mean the guys that rides Velociraptors and T-Rex. They would be trully different than Craftworlds and Drukarii. Also I expect (and this sooner) to see some dedicated unit for the Ynnari.

By "True Exiles" you mean the Exodites. I would argue that they are actually the least likely to be supported, unless FW/GW completely revamp their lore. They are, after all, the descendants of the ancient Aeldari who forsook their ancient empire and established their survivalist colonies far from the main empire. While they continue to enjoy some degree of technology, their lore is not that of a space-faring people, but rather that of planet-bound enclaves. It would be difficult to fit them in as a full (sub-)faction within the main WH40K game. They would be more appropriate in a limited campaign in which they are the defenders, or as small allied contingents to other Aeldari (most likely Asuryani or Anhrathe, not Drukhari) forces. Skaorn, too, touches on this, as quoted below.

 

I think each are worthy of a codex if done right. This would mean that they would need their own units and not rely on other codexes for them as well as work out things like why Exodite army is wandering around the galaxy picking fights. An army that is planet bound is not a good choice imo but they would be unique.

 

I think Ynnari will end this way, GW is just slowly easing their way into a brand new Eldar army unique to itself. I have no idea what such units would look like because of the limited background.

I think that the setting would have to be advanced quite a bit for the Ynnari to evolve in the way that you suggest. In the present timeline, they are simply Aeldari who have left their parent enclaves (Asuryani, Drukhari, Anhrathe, and Harlequin), but who still clearly resemble their past selves (i.e., Dire Avengers are still Dire Avengers, Incubi are still Incubi, etc.). The Ynnari could get their own dedicated codex, but the vast majority of it would be a re-hash of the other Aeldari codices.

 

I don't disagree with the possibility of supporting the Harlequins and the Ynnari (and the Eldar Corsairs, in my dreams) via their own dedicated books. That is the most likely outcome to me. I'm simply suggesting a plausible (though not necessarily likely) alternative.

 

Cosairs would be hard to differentiate from just guardians to really make them unique. I can think of some basic unit ideas like a breaching unit or a unit that uses chemical warfare to clear out ships without igniting the atmosphere.

The Eldar Corsairs as presented in the second printing of The Doom of Mymeara are very distinct from the Guardians of the Craftworlds (and for that matter, from the Kabbalites of Commorragh). Those Eldar Corsairs rules provide a great starting point for a distinct Aeldari sub-faction, even more distinct than the Ynnari. The Eldar Corsairs have the speed and maneuverability that is present in all the Aeldari sub-factions; and like each of the other sub-factions, that speed and maneuverability is implemented in a distinct manner. The Eldar Corsairs lack the specialists of both the Asuryani and the Drukhari, and they have a very cool internal politics mechanic that affects how they play on the tabletop in a unique and very thematic way. They also have an almost-Orky randomness with regard to their psykers (Eldar Corsair psykers do not want to fail a Perils of the Warp roll!). True, the Eldar Corsairs draw from both the Asuryani and the Drukhari in terms of weapons, wargear, and some vehicles, but they mix it up in a manner that is wholly their own. It would be a real shame if GW/FW drop the Eldar Corsairs because they gave us a sub-faction that is characterful and fun (and distinct!). If you haven't seen either printing of The Doom of Mymeara (and I'm inferring that you haven't from your statement, though I could be wrong), I encourage you to look around on the Internet. I was able to score a used copy of the second printing on eBay recently, though I found some of the rules online. You might even find someone local to you that has one of the versions (second is preferred, but either will provide a better glimpse into the distinctiveness of the Eldar Corsairs).

 

While I gave a "best" outcome (GW adopting the sub-faction), the alternative of FW continuing to support them via a future set of rules would be quite satisfactory (as long as those rules and models were on par with what was provided during 7th edition WH40K). The current state of affairs (lackluster support for just a few Anhrathe units via the Index Xenos book) is just not satisfactory, and the "worst" case scenario of the Corsairs being dropped entirely is too depressing to consider . 

 

I doubt they will sustain a new line of models for Eldar. Eldar don't need more division through codex, they need a solid all encompassing one. A strong player concentration will motivate them to do more models and content.

I'm not sure I'm following you. Are you suggesting that the Asuryani, Drukhari, Ynnari, and Harlequins should all be rolled into a single codex? That would end up being larger than Codex: Space Marines.

 

As for sustaining a new line of models, GW's recent practices have demonstrated that they're willing to introduce new lines (e.g., Adeptus Custodes, Adeptus Mechanicus, Genestealer Cults), even expanding niches into their own standalone lines (e.g., Thousand Sons, Death Guard). The key is in making such lines attractive enough to players that they remain profitable enough to support. I suggest that the main roadblock to more widespread player support for the Eldar Corsairs as presented in the second printing of The Doom of Mymeara was simply that the products were from Forge World and more difficult/expensive to get. While continued future support from Forge World wouldn't be a "bad" thing, adoption by GW into the mainstream would increase player exposure and acceptance. I don't know that this would translate into profitability for permanent support, but I think that would happen. At worst, if a mainstream line wasn't profitable enough, GW might revert them to an allied contingent type of force with smaller support through conversion kits (much like we had from FW, and such as the Storm Guardians and minor chapters of the Adeptus Astartes have).

 

Admittedly, I'm biased in this. I'm a very big fan of the Eldar Corsairs. There is evidence of support for the sub-faction across the Internet, though that is, admittedly, a small group (albeit, spread across the globe).

[Memento Of Prospero]

Here's what I mean. Space marine armies have have the representarion to warrant various codice. They get updated kits nearly every edition for existing units, because they sell.

 

I doubt an Eldar/Dark Eldar/ Harlequins codex would be that much bigger than the SM codex after some streamlining.

 

When's the last time eldar got a kit update that was not finecast? Dire avengers?

 

When you fracture a weak player base into more subfactions, you will suffer more long term. You might get new releases once for your brand new splinter, but that hurts the rest. Dark Eldar waited 15 years for a new codex and model line, and they still are the least played army.

 

The Pheonix Lords are still these derpy 80s looking models - it's unreal.

 

And look at the examples you brought up. GS cult will no longer have any support, and they have dropped off the radar. The Thousand Sons codex is just the chaos codex with less units and 3 "new" recycled units.

 

Death Guard is the only line they have done right so far in 8th with almost 20 kits released for the army. Chaos was long overdue for this.

[Dr. Clock]

@Momento of Prospero:

 

I think the last kit update was the windriders?... the DA 'kit update' was a re-pack to take them to 5-man teams : (

 

Having been raised on the original Phoenix Lords, I have a huge soft spot for them... and unlike Marines their scale hasn't changed to the point of them being dwarfed by their brethren lol. Wish they still did metal models, but c'est la vie.

 

Craftworlders and the Dark Kin have very good model lines, except for the finecast transition in the case of Craftworlds. It's the rules for DE that make them suffer, not the models. Also they have excellent compatibility with AoS models, further increasing their conversion potential.

 

I don't quite buy into the idea that GW will only invest in new lines that have the potential to become a 'full army' in the same vein and with the same complexity as the 'core factions' of old... the AoS model of a 4-week release with one kit per week on a particular theme a l'a Morathi seems easier in the long haul, and I think GW are coming around to the idea that it's easier to market and do support that way as well. Adding more complexity to any of the current 'main 'dexes' makes balance all the more difficult to achieve as time goes on, whereas having some minor factions available either mostly as a 'skirmish/support force' can bring the consumer 'beyond' the focus on 'getting one of each aspect warrior unit', for instance.

 

This is sort of why having Primaris and the main Marine line 'together but different' is actually potentially a great business move long-term: one is better for beginners because it's less diverse and complex (lower cognitive burden in selecting wargear etc.), while the other is 'close enough' to be compatible, but adds a level of depth that the other lacks. Of course the established Marine players (me included) aren't quite sure what to do with the 'young, naive upstart', but some will add the new offering on to their existing collection BECAUSE it's new, and maybe they think they can keep those new units 'contained' because there are only a few of them... (yes, I am now working on 2k of Primaris Storm Lords to supplement my (4+k Salamanders, Deathwatch and Lamenters' First Company units).

 

So yes, Eldar have Harlequins, but I'd argue that you could get a tonne of people interested in the 5-7 units needed for a full-on Exodites list. Heck - make it 4 units: Cavalry HQ, Cavalry Elite, Infantry Troop, LoW... I'd buy multiples of the first three, and at least one of the 4th : P

 

Don't count GS Cult out of the mix just yet - they got rules for Necromunda in this month's White Dwarf! So excited to roll with them this weekend! They're lower priority for 40k with good reason IMO, but they'll arise in 40k once again!

 

Cheers,

 

The Good Doctor.

[Halandaar]

 

I think that the setting would have to be advanced quite a bit for the Ynnari to evolve in the way that you suggest. In the present timeline, they are simply Aeldari who have left their parent enclaves (Asuryani, Drukhari, Anhrathe, and Harlequin), but who still clearly resemble their past selves (i.e., Dire Avengers are still Dire Avengers, Incubi are still Incubi, etc.). The Ynnari could get their own dedicated codex, but the vast majority of it would be a re-hash of the other Aeldari codices.

 

But the setting has advanced. The Ynnari as you describe them represents how they were at their inception, at the end of 7th Edition. We know that ~200 years have passed since then, a timeframe which has given rise to the Primaris Marines and all their new equipment and technology. If the technologically stagnant Imperium of Man can achieve that in 200 years, imagine what an advanced race of peerless craftsmen could achieve. 200 years of mixing among their previously distant kin, swapping skills, tactics, embedding new beliefs, forming new bonds, developing new weapons and strategies.

 

Your assertion that any potential Ynnari Codex would essentially be duplication of material is based on the assumption that the Ynnari wouldn't have any dedicated units of their own. Given GW's stance as a model company first, and the lack of model releases for the existing Eldar factions since the Harlequins came out, I think that's a significantly flawed assumption. GW sowed themselves significant narrative seeds to support an entire new subfaction of Eldar, and established a distinct design direction with the Visarch. I doubt that either of those opportunities to develop a standalone range and army will be squandered.

[Dosjetka]

When's the last time eldar got a kit update that was not finecast? Dire avengers?

Off the top of my head: Guardians on Jetbikes/Windriders, Farseer/Warlock Skyrunner, Farseer on foot, winged Autarch, and Eldrad Ulthran.

[Halandaar]

 

When's the last time eldar got a kit update that was not finecast? Dire avengers?

Off the top of my head: Guardians on Jetbikes/Windriders, Farseer/Warlock Skyrunner, Farseer on foot, winged Autarch, and Eldrad Ulthran.

 

 

Wraithguard too, which came out around the same time as the Farseer and Autarch.

[Skaorn]

I think we can look to AoS to see that you can put out an entire new faction or two based around "look, an elf god made new units". Ynnari units could easily form based on secrets, inspiration, and favor by their new god in a short time. If fish elves and murder elves can gain their own faction then not doing the same for the Eldar when they laid down the ground work for it would be a waste.

[Captain_Krash]

Just too throw this out here The FW Corsair kit was taken down due to serious mold issues. I was asking for 2+ years every two months until they removed them from their website. I seriously regret waiting to buy them when I had the chance...just wanted to let you folks know. Forgeworld has stated that they will return in a future FW book, but I mean as slow as there going with Horus Hersey it could be 2020 or beyond...

 

Krash

[Dosjetka]

Halandaar: Wasn't sure if the Wraithguard were a completely new unit or a revamped one. Good to know. :tu:

[Captain Coolpants]

Well I hope they dont just produce the corsairs upgrade, but instead revamp it. Make it a full release.

So many options were taken away because there were no models. And things like brace of pistols dont actually exist model wise either but that was strangely kept.