Elder (Part -2)
Major Craftworld and their contributions
Ulthwé
Ulthwé was caught in the gravitational pull of the Eye of Terror when it formed during the birth of Slaanesh and now orbits it, perilously close to ultimate absorption and under regular attack from the Denizens of the Eye of Terror. They were the ones who forged the alliance with the Imperium, and gave humanity and Eldar power to stalemate chaos, One of the more famous and integral aspects of the Ulthwé Craftworld is that of its Seer Council. Which is led by the Eldrad Ulthran, the council both overtly and secretly interferes with other races in an attempt to steer fate in their and humanity's favor. Many of their farseers and Warlocks join Inquisition, especially the The Ordo Malleus. Their presence in battlefield is highly preferred by imperial commanders, because many Warlocks, Seers and other psychic warriors who forms the Ulthwé armies have battle and psychic skills that are even more advanced than those found on other Craftworlds, as they are able to see farther and farther ahead in time and with greater precision.
They have a pact named The Coven of Isha between some members of the Ordo Xenos with Farseer Eldrad Ulthran as an overseer. According to the Coven's librarium, the information provided by the Eldar through this pact has been linked to stopping a number of disastrous events that could have engulfed the Imperium of Man, including the Second War for Armageddon and the rise of a terrible orkboss named Ghazghkull Thraka, the Sanapan Scouring, the Mortis Annihilation and the Third Coming of Orian. The Coven has worked closely with all the branches of Inquisition for ten thousand years. The most recent time that the Coven was activated when Deathwatch Space Marines from the Ordo Xenos had to help the Craftworld Ulthwé to counter the Dark Eldar's recent raids that took many of Ulthwé's maiden worlds Eldar populace as prisoners to Hesperax, the homeworld of Lelith the Wych Queen. The prisoners were taken to be slain in Hesperax's gladiatrix games.
The great Eldar Farseer Eldrad Ulthran had created a special Wraithbone chamber hidden aboard the Inquisition's secret space station located in the Ramugan Sub-sector for the Ordo Xenos which could be used for communication between the Inquisition and the Seer Council of Ulthwé. In M37 The Inquisitor Lord Seishon was summoned there to hear the request of Ulthran that the Inquisition needed for Ulthwe to recover a lost Eldar relic. The Inquisition's Ramugan space station had stood for millennia, and dated back to the time of the Great Crusade when the Emperor Himself was still actively leading the Imperium. The station was home to delegations from the three main branches of the Inquisition: the Ordo Xenos, the Ordo Hereticus and the Ordo Malleus.
The Seer Council of Ulthwe was together with the help of the Inquistion, planned how to complete the objective, both Emerald Seer Thae'azki and the Seer Eldressyn, who had been chosen to serve on the Council by Ulthran himself joined the Deathwatch Kill-team, which departed from Ramugan on the frigate Lance of Darkness by order of the Ordo Xenos to recover the relic for the Eldar and uphold the Coven of Isha.
Ulthwé also employs its large number of psykers on the battlefield, sometimes in the form of a Seer Council consisting of multiple Farseers and Warlock bodyguards. The Seer Council or Seers will use their potent powers to destroy the minds of their enemies, shape the battle's course to their favor and perform other tasks to ensure their victory. Ulthwé may strike fast and hard in the form of an Ulthwé Strike Force, a highly mobile entity of Ulthwé's power in which units are highly mobilized by utilizing Jetbikes and other fast vehicles which enables Ulthwé to strike quickly and decisively through warp gates and vanish as quickly as they appeared. The sight of an Ulthwé force is a brooding, dark image, filled with the air of mourning and suffering. Ulthwé's forces main color is an ominous black and most Ulthwé vehicles and warrior armor is this color. This is often contrasted with bone white, golden yellow and dark red. Ulthwé's full name is actually Ulthanash Shelwé, which means 'Song of Ulthanash'. The symbol of Ulthwé is the Eye of Isha, a stylized eye with a lone tear symbolizing the tears shed by the Goddess Isha for her Eldar children.
Notable Ulthwé Characters
Eldrad Ulthran is the Chief Farseer of the Ulthwé Craftworld and the Inquisitor Lord of Ordo Malleus. He is perhaps the most gifted psyker amongst the Eldar, his incredible foresight having saved many millions of Eldar and human lives. He created and carried into battle the Staff of Ulthamar.
Farseer Taldeer also known as "Taldeer the Dreamer", was sent to Lorn V and again to Kronus to stop the Necron threat on those planets. She greatly helped Imperium forces there.
Farseer Caerys is the leader of the Eldar forces in the Kaurava system. She is allegedly the successor of Farseer Taldeer and her warfleet safeguards the system.
Farseer Idranel lead the Eldar and imperial guard forces in sub-sector Aurelia. She has goaded the Orks into attacking the Necron's holdings.
Farseer Auric Stormcloud who is on a quest to stop a daemon prince called Shaha Gaathon in Belial IV.
Saim-Hann
The Eldar Craftworld of Saim-Hann was one of the first Craftworlds to abandon the Crone Worlds as the Fall of the Eldar approached, heeding their Farseer's warnings. As such, they have spent far more time isolated from the rest of the Eldar than the other major Craftworlds, although the Saim-Hann do maintain contact with and have a very similar culture of the Exodite worlds. They are fierce warriors, who place upon honor a higher value than their sophisticated kin. This, coupled with their pride, has sadly led them into conflict with each other and different Craftworlds. While this generally takes the form of an organized duel between representatives of each Craftworld in which first blood is usually sufficient to end the matter, the high number of deaths from these conflicts has lent to the barbaric reputation of the Craftworld among the other Eldar. When eldars signed the pact with Imperium they were neutral to it, but through thousands of year hey fought for and bleed for Imperium both to protect human and eldar lives from countless enemies.
The Wild Host of Saim-Hann is comprised almost entirely of Jetbikes. Any unit which cannot be mounted on Jetbikes or do not have a fast form of movement (such as Warp Jump generators or Swooping Hawk wings) is normally given a Wave Serpent transport. An exception to this are the Wraithlords and Dark Reapers, whose role is normally to give covering fire to the vehicles. The force is fast moving and tactically flexible, meaning that even against a far stronger or more numerous enemy the Eldar of Saim-Hann can always remain just beyond their reach. Almost every member of Saim-Hann is part of a Wild Rider family, including the seers, and this allows them to field many specialists who ride Jetbikes and Vypers. The families are maintained in a feudal hierarchy by one Eldar and the rule is passed down through hereditary tradition. The closest family to the 'Chief' forms the Kinsmen who are the ruling elite of the family. The families will decide for themselves whether to go to war and the Kinsmen will then guide the chief in battle. They tend to sport a banner showing their clan's runes. It is only during a Wild Rider's time as an Aspect Warrior that his family ties are put aside.
Some families also fight with each other, although they usually take the form of a ritual single combat between champions. They are not uncommon, but fights to the death are very rare as first blood is usually sufficient to determine a winner.
The Saim-Hann warhosts are generally colored red or a light scarlet color. They are often highlighted with contrasting colors, mainly black, white or yellow in striped patterns. They also tend to use striping techniques on their vehicles. The different warrior clans have different personal symbols, however, so there is almost certain to be a significant amount of variation between clans, squads or even individuals. The Craftworld's rune is a stylized serpent, which is the Cosmic Serpent of Eldar myth. The serpent is significant in Eldar mythology because it is supposed to be the only creature to exist in the spiritual and physical worlds at the same time. Indeed, it is revered so much by the Saim-Hann Eldar that one of their coming-of-age rites is to catch a daggersnake (found in the worlds of the Exodites) in mid-strike. The serpent also epitomizes the attack style of Saim-Hann - a fast, deadly strike before withdrawing, leaving the enemy panicked and confused. The Warriors of Saim-Hann are proud, boisterous and aggressive, and use fast, mobile troops with a high quantity of Jetbikes. Young Guardians are always trying to outdo each other in contests of speed, and particularly in battle. The Saim-Hann Craftworld can usually be found in the Segmentum Pacificus and they fiercely protect both human and Eldar colonies which can be found there.
Notable Saim Hann Characters
Nuadhu "Fireheart" is a Wild Rider of Saim Hann. Nuadhu is a legendary Vyper rider that rides standing up to aid in his attacks. He is also considered reckless, paying no heed to the danger and gladly flying straight into the heaviest enemy fire. His Wild Riders also follow him into the fiercest fighting. In mid-M39, he led his Craftworlds forces in slaying the Daemon Prince of Slaanesh Lilesh Snarelust, plunging his own Celestial Lance into the Daemon's Heart. Nuadhu rides upon a Vyper that has been built to allow him to fight on its back, much as Khaine rode to war on the legendary steed Alean.
Iyanden
Following the Fall of the Eldar, those Eldar remaining on Iyanden immediately felt Slaanesh thirsting for their souls, and the Craftworld's Seer Council immediately ordered the recovery of Waystones from Crone Worlds as well the construction of an Infinity Circuit, restricting the Dark Prince's ability to claim their souls upon death. With their small victory in hand, Iyanden began a loftier goal of rebuilding a new realm that would one day rule the Galaxy as the Eldar Empire had once done. However, many Craftworld's such as Alaitoc and Ulthwé took other missions and would spare no resources in this quest, but Biel-tan proved willing to join Iyanden and the two Craftworlds became inseparable allies for many years with the common goal of not only rebuilding Eldar civilization but also defeating Chaos. Together, Iyanden and Biel-Tan scored many victories against the forces of Chaos.
When Eldar's joined Imperium they also joined it, The Farseers of Iyanden focused entirely on predicting the machinations of Chaos and other dangers that occurred within the galaxy to help Imperium. In time, Exodite Worlds of the Ybaric Cluster also helped Iyanden, bringing with them many thousands of Dragon Knights. With Biel-Tan they fought not only to defeat Chaos but to bring to heel all those who they deem as in the way of Eldar and human ascension to keep Imperium safe, the alliance remains strong for ten thousand years, joint operations between the two Craftworld's often undertaken with or without the help of imperial forces.
War with Zhemon
Now together with the Imperium, Iyanden's accomplishment began to increase more and more and they understood how much blood they must shed to keep Imperium safe. Iyanden soon came into battle with Zhemon, a blood Angel Space Marine who was spreading an empire of anarchy across the galaxy in an act of vengeance against his former Imperial masters. Faced with Zhemon's significant forces and their own ever increasing numbers, they fought hard. Despite these reinforcements victory was still uncertain for the Eldar despite how many Chaos-tainted worlds they purged, they had underestimated how widespread Zhemon's own followers had become. Fortunately the Imperium eventually able to send more forces to support them, and Iyanden directly aided the human forces by attacking his power base on pivotal worlds, weakening his own defenses in the face of eventual Imperial and Iyanden's assault.
By 478.M37 Zhemon was finally cornered by Iyanden on the world of Ishasta and they once more fought directly at the side of the Imperium. Their forces fought alongside the Luna Wolves, who were determined to capture the traitors. A joint attack by Iyanden's wraith constructs and the Justaerin Terminator Squads cornered Zhemon, his bodyguards, and his pack of Maulerfiends. The battle finally ended when Zhemon was taken prisoner by the Luna Wolves. Iyanden agreed to let the Imperials have their prize, for they foresaw that the blood Angel would suffer far more in the hands of Luna Wolfs than their own. Swayed by the Iyanden and Imperium's success against Zhemon, two lesser Craftworlds Malan'tai and Idharae joined Imperium. Together, the three Craftworld's greatly curbed the activity of Chaos on the Eastern Fringe and secured that portion of the galaxy for the Imperium.
Hive Fleet Naga
Eventually, it was not the forces of Chaos that threatened the Craftworld's the most, but that of the Tyranid Hive Fleet Naga. In 810.M41 to 812.M41 Iyanden helped to eliminate one of the two main tendrils of Hive Fleet Naga. As the Tyranids were besieging Iyanden's old Exodite comrades in the Ybraic Cluster, Iyanden, Malan'tai, and Idharae struck to defend their allies and many Maiden Worlds with the help of imperial forces.
On the Exodite World of Halathel defenders fiercely held their World from a Tyranid siege. A fresh fleet from Iyanden commanded by Admiral Draech arrived to aid the Exodites and engaged the Hive Ships orbiting the planet. Draech's flagship, the Auspicious Illumination of Eternity was destroyed early in the battle. Command of the fleet was quickly seized by his second-in-command, a young Prince Yriel, who successfully led the Iyanden fleet to victory with the help of 993rd Death Korps Infantry Regiment. However, the planet was overrun. In less than an hour the Eldar defenders and the Death Korps Infantry Regiment were massacred. Yriel, overwhelmed by rage, gave the order to scour all life from Halathel.
Despite their victory, and saving Malan'tai from the abomination known as the Doom of Malan'tai, Iyanden emerged from the conflict relatively unscathed, and in their arrogance did not believe the warnings of Idharae Chief Farseer Taolis Eversong that the Tyranids encountered thus far were merely the harbingers of a larger swarm and that they needed farther imperial help. Thus it was that Idharae ended their alliance with Iyanden after their warning had fallen on deaf ears and they contacted the imperial guards and navy. However, not all of Iyanden's seers were oblivious to the threat. Kelmon Firesight, leader of Iyanden's Seer Council, had become concerned by the Tyranid menace and supported Prince Yriel during his campaign against Argan Kallorax. Kelmon never told anyone why he supported the rise of Yriel, simply that he foresaw the Prince would be pivotal to the Craftworld's and Imperium's future.
Devastation
Iyanden heeded Yriel's and Kelmon's advice and deployed its full force against Argan Kallorax. However, in his desire to throw everything he had at his enemy, Yriel foolishly stripped Iyanden of all of its defense ships during the Battle of the Burning Moon, leaving the Craftworld virtually defenseless when a Chaos Cruiser of Kallorax's defeated fleet launched 36 Cyclonic Torpedoes at Iyanden as a final act of defiance. Though Iyanden's point defense lasers intercepted 35 of the Torpedoes, one would have struck and could have killed tens of thousands of Eldar's, but because of word bearer 's Abyss-class Battleship The Furious Abyss noble sacrifice the tragedy was averted, the battleship was greatly damaged. In the aftermath of the near disaster, an embattled Yriel left Iyanden to seek employment in imperial navy.
Hive Fleet Kraken
In 992.M41 Iyanden would have suffered its greatest tragedy at the claws of Hive Fleet Kraken. But In the end Iyanden was victorious and they survived, but only narrowly with the help of imperial forces under command of Yriel. After the conflict, Iyanden's one-fifths of its inhabitants were dead or dying, but they able to save their colonies.
Later, a remnant of Kraken thought lost to a Warp Storm emerged once more and apparently attempted to fuse with Hive Fleet Leviathan, but it was defeated by the combined forces of Iyanden, Biel-tan, and Luna wolves, Salamanders and thousand sons in the Battle of Duriel.
Waaagh! Rekkfist
In 995.M41 another invasion of Iyanden, this time by Waaagh! Rekkfist, was imminent and so Iyanden preemptively engaged the Orks. Early battles successfully crippled the Waaagh!, but soon the Orks counterattacked in force and managed to land on the Craftworld. Iyanden was forced to awaken even more Wraith-constructs in order to hold back the invasion. As events become desperate, a Webway portal at the rear of the Craftworld activated and space marines from the Luna wolves and the word bearers emerged to aid in slaying the Orks. After Iyanden was saved, the Council of Seers thanked them and bonds of true brotherhoods were formed, Iyanden promised that for this help they will always answer both chapters call for help in the future.
A Clash of Fates
In 827999.M41, the Farseers of Iyanden become aware of two possible futures in which their Craftworld will be destroyed. The first is in the hands of the Daemon Prince M'kar the Reborn, the second by the Tau. Thus do the Eldar begin a series of campaigns designed to bring these two enemies into direct conflict, sparing Iyanden destruction. Through a series of hit and run engagements, M'kars daemonic forces are lured ever closer to Tau empire and when the Daemon Prince is about to descend on the Tau world of Au'taal, the Eldar withdraw and let M'kar's hatred of the Tau do the rest.
The symbol of Iyanden is the Shrine of Asuryan. Asuryan is one of the most famous of the Eldar Gods. The Phoenix Lords are all considered to be the "children" of Asuryan, and Asurmen is the "Hand of Asuryan".
Notable Iyanden Characters
Prince Yriel - one of the greatest naval commander of the Eldar and humanity, Saviour of the Iyanden Craftworld.
Iyanna Arienal - the greatest of Iyanden's Spiritseers.
Farseer Kelmon - leader and spiritual head of Iyanden.
Farseer Taec Silvereye - Taec Silvereye is an Eldar Farseer on Craftworld Iyanden. The Farseer oversaw Iyanden's defenses alongside Prince Yriel and Farseer Iyanna Arienal when the Craftworld was assaulted by Waaagh! Rekkfist.
Admiral Draech - Draech was an Eldar Admiral of Craftworld Iyanden. In 585.M40, he led the attack on Daemon world Hypnoth in retaliation for the Blood Angel's capture of the Blood of Khaine. In 810.M41 Draech would lead his Craftworld's fleet against the Tyranid Hive Fleet Naga. Confronting the Tyranid fleet of Bio-ships above the Exodite World of Halathel, Draech was killed early in the battle when his flagship, the Auspicious Illumination of Eternity, was destroyed. However, his second-in-command, a relatively young prince named Yriel, seized command of the reeling Eldar and imperial forces and destroyed the Tyranid fleet.
Autarch Sunspear - Sunspear is an Eldar Autarch of Iyanden. In 999.M41 he led the purges of populated worlds (many inhabited by Tau) in the path of Hive Fleet Leviathan in an attempt to starve the aliens of resources. However, this brought him into eventual conflict with the Tau Empire on the Agri-World of Verdox II. Caught between the Ethereal Aun'shi and Commander Farsight's forces and Tyranid swarms, Sunspear was able to skillfully draw the Tau into battle with the Tyranids while his own forces made their escape. Before he took his leave into the Webway, however, he warned the Tau of Verdox II's imminent collapse, not caring whether the Tau heeded his warning or not.
Invaril Brightshard - Invaril Brightshard was a famous Eldar Bonesinger, famous for constructing the first Infinity Circuit on Iyanden with the aid of Farseer Mehlendri Silversoul. It is said that Iyanden has never known a more skilled Wraithbone sharper than he, and while he is long dead, his soul remains within the Wraithforge Stone to aid its wielder.
Biel-tan
The Biel-tan Craftworld is famous for its inhabitants' militancy; it is home to more Aspect Warriors than any other Craftworld. The Eldar of Biel-tan are honorable warriors who have taken it upon themselves to rebuild the lost glory of the ancient Eldar empire, through the destruction of the lesser races who have "usurped" the galaxy other than humans, and believe it is glorious to die fighting the enemies of the Craftworld and Imperium. At the center of Biel-tan is the Chamber of Heroes where the spirit stones of dead Aspect Warriors are placed. Farseers often come to this room to consult the dead on courses of action. As well as their traditional colors green and white, the forces of Biel-Tan sport patterns of dark thorny ivy.
When the Eldar of Biel-Tan goes to war, they assemble a warhost known as the Bahzhakhain which means "Swordwind" or "Tempest of Blades". The Swordwind's tactic is a single, swift strike taking the enemy by surprise. This tactic works considerably well with the elite fighting skills of the many Aspect Warriors eliminating the enemy before they can respond. The Biel-Tan therefore makes perfect use of the speed and maneuverability of the Wave Serpents and Falcon Grav Tanks. Biel-tan vehicles are often colored entirely green, with large areas broken up using a pattern of twisting vines in a contrasting shade. For every kill an Eldar pilot makes, a thorn is added to the vine.
The main target of the Biel-Tan are non-Eldar colonists - particularly non-Eldar occupying Eldar Maiden Worlds. It is especially galling to the Eldar who created these paradise worlds from dead worlds to find them overrun with inferior species. The Eldar of Biel-tan believe the success of other alien races is a threat to the future progression of the Eldar empire and the Imperium. For this reason the Biel-Tan particularly hate the Orks, Orks being a completely expansionist race, whose occupation of a world quickly becomes permanent. In many cases Biel-Tan have helped Imperial forces that were under heavy attack by Orks and to hunt down Ork Roks before the tide of Orks can overrun a planet, they are oath bound to help Imperium in every way possible and to them any blight upon their honor is unexpectable. The Exarchs of the Craftworld form a council known as the Court of the Young King, it is from this council that the Craftworld's Young Kings are chosen.
The Swordwind even possess a vehicle that is unique to Biel-Tan. It is a super heavy grav tank called a Void Spinner which is armed solely with a huge monofilament cannon, which works just like any other monofilament weapon except that it incorporates a techno virus that sterilizes the ground that it touches. This makes it extremely useful against the Orks due to the Ork's spore-based method of reproduction, preventing further re-infestation.
The symbolic rune of Biel-Tan stands for reincarnation, a fate previously thought reserved for every Eldar before the Fall. The rune roughly translates as Rebirth of Ancient Days, reflecting the intention of the Craftworld to see their former empire restored.
Notable Biel-Tan Eldar
Farseer Macha, who came to Planet Tartarus with a small Eldar force to ensure that the ancient artifact called the Maledictum was left undisturbed.
Autarch Mauryon, a militant commander who leads campaigns to purge non-Eldar presences like Tau, Kroot,Vespid off Exodite Worlds and Maiden Worlds.
Avele Swifteye, Duke of Asteri Reach is a Rouge Trader from Biel-Tan. He supports Biel-Tan's policies in protecting the Maiden Worlds as well as showing mercy towards Tau colonists once they surrendered.
On the maiden world of Yrthal, Abel destroyed half a dozen Tau settlements before the Tau colony finally surrendered. He took the surviving forty thousand colonists to a nearby habitable moon and promised them that there would be no further hostilities against them if they did not stray back to Yrthal.
Farseer Tyladrhas, known for leading a Biel-tan warband against an Ultramarines force.
Alaitoc
While all Craftworlds make use of the highly efficient sniper Rangers, none field or produce more than Alaitoc. By their nature Alaitoc Rangers, known as the Starstriders, do not reside upon the Craftworld, but travel the galaxy. These rangers retain their loyalty to Alaitoc, returning to their Craftworld on occasion. Aside from the regular Rangers, Alaitoc is also the only Craftworld to field the highly skilled Rangers known as Pathfinders. These highly trained snipers can cause havoc to the enemy. In times of need the Craftworld sometimes recalls their Rangers to contribute to Alaitoc's forces. Alaitoc can also call upon an unusually high number of Exarchs, as its Eldar are known to become utterly consumed by their chosen Path. This, however, causes many of its citizens to sat their extreme desires by becoming Outcasts, making Alaitoc closely connected to Eldar Corsairs throughout the Galaxy.
Pathfinders are Rangers that have walked the Path of the Outcast for centuries. They have overcome their temptations, but still feel the call of the Path. They are even more skilled at infiltration and survival than other Rangers. While pathfinders can be found across the galaxy from every Craftworld, by far the most famous are those hailing from the Craftworld of Alaitoc, where they prefer to call themselves the Starstriders. Alaitoc society is highly dedicated to "the path". Individuals are therefore more prone to rebel against the disciplined lifestyle and seek adventure as Outcasts, more so than those of other Craftworlds. Often they spearhead imperial voyage to unknown parts of the galaxy were light of great crusade did not reach, they are often given the status of a Rogue Trader and act as a freelance explorer, conquistador and merchant. They are Imperial servants, given a ship, a crew, a contingent of Marines or Guardsmen, and carte Blanche to roam the worlds beyond Imperial control. They were also given a Warrant of Trade a Warrant of Trade; an ancient legal document which describes the accepted limits of its operations. These charters are hereditary thus creating a Rogue Trader dynasty. These dynasties are granted a personal coat of arms, identifying them amongst the Imperial elite.
Pathfinders have become adept over the centuries at roving ahead of the main Eldar warhosts, using their guerrilla expertise to sabotage their enemies before battle has even commenced. Bypassing sentries, sabotaged machinery, destroyed supply dumps and even the mysterious assassinations of key leaders take their toll upon both the enemy's numbers and morale, leaving them to chase shadows and go mad as they attempt to pull fragments of their armies back into cohesion as the Eldar strike at their weaknesses with brutal yet hauntingly subtle efficiency.
Eldar Corsairs are those Eldar Outcasts who have deliberately chosen to make their living by raiding the commerce of the other star-faring intelligent races of the Milky Way Galaxy, except for the shipping of the Imperium of Man, according to the rule of the Imperium. The Imperium does not care what they do to Xenos as long they make sure they do not harm Imperium anyway and help the imperial forces at the time of need, they can do whatever they want. Imperium actively encourages them to torment xenos. They are a constant threat to Tau and other races shipping, though they lack the ability to face off against a true Navy battle fleet of any real size. Eldar Corsair Fleets like Alai Mercenary Corps, Alaitoc Warp Hunters, Balestorm Avengers, Twilight Swords actively helped Imperium to colonized Jericho Reach, while Black Suns, Children of Thorns, Crow Spirits, Ellarion's Raiders did the same service to Imperium in Calixis Sector, Koronus Expanse and Halo Stars. The most powerful One of the most infamous and dangerous bands of Eldar Corsairs in existence, the Void Dragons operate across the galaxy. The Imperial Navy estimates that they command a fleet in excess of 3,500 warships, and have been encountered in places as far apart as the Cadian Gate, the distant Tau Empire and the Halo Stars. Currently commanded by the haughty Princess Saaraina, the Void Dragons' attacks hold no predictable pattern, and range from ambushes against Chaos raiders near the Eye of Terror, to the mass enslavement of the Tau colony of Vorenz VI, to fighting against the Orks of the empire of Charadon, but they respect the Imperium's law so Imperium turns a blind eye upon their actions.
It is said that by capturing its large numbers of Outcasts, the Tau has gleaned much knowledge of the Eldar through torture. This has increased tensions between the Tau and Alaitoc, and the two are in a constant state of war.
After Dark Eldar raiders launched vicious assaults on Tau shipping near the Craftworld, the Tau, blaming the Craftworld Eldar instead of their dark kin, decides to make an example of Alaitoc by invading and annihilating it. The Tau was able to trace Eldar raiding parties back to the Craftworld, identifying its location. Forewarned to the attack by the Craftworlds Farseers, the Eldar managed to prepare for the assault and were aided by the Phoenix Lords Baharroth, Maugan Ra, and Karandras. They were further reinforced by nearby PDF forces stationed in human and eldar colonies.
The Tau struck with an enormous fleet of Or'es El'leath (Custodian) Class Battleships, carrying large number of Fire Warriors. Battling through the Craftworlds fleet defenses in a bloody engagement that saw heavy Tau Navy losses, the Eldar fleet and Craftworld defenses managed to destroy multiple Battleships and Troop Transports. However Fire Warriors boarding parties managed to board Alaitoc itself. Though the assault by the Fire Warriors initially went poorly in the face of Alaitoc's Aspect Warriors, a Boarding Torpedo attack by Commander Farsight with XV8 Crisis Battlesuit and XV104 Riptide the inflicted heavy losses on the Eldar and human defenders as the sheer number of Fire Warriors managed to expand the Tau beachhead on the Craftworld. Taking casualties in the face of the Battlesuit's spearhead and the Fire Warriors forces supporting them, the Eldar and humans were forced to withdraw in order to defend the Alaitoc's Infinity Circuit and core cities after the outlying Exodite and human settlements were overrun and laid to waste. The Tau assault was then slowed by the intervention of Phantom Titans and an Avatar of Khaine.
The war for Alaitoc had become a bloody war of attrition, one which the Tau was seemed to be slowly prevailing in. Despite this and the continued Tau advance, the Craftworld's Farseers foresaw ultimate victory for the Eldar, because they knew Imperium will be sending aid to crush Tau, but they are being delayed to stop system wide chaos incursions. Nonetheless, the bloodshed continued as much of the Craftworld was laid to waste and even Titan warmachines destroyed by the XV104 Riptide and Fire Warriors forces, while the dwindling Alaitoc's fleet continued to batter the Tau Navy. Commander Farsight, using his tactical genius began to accurately predict and counter Eldar strategies. Chokepoints and close-quarters fighting in the confines of the Craftworld worked in the numerically superior Tau's and Kroot's favor and against the more precise and sparsely deployed Aspect Warriors. But despite these advantages, the Tau toke massive losses to advance across even fractions of the Craftworlds surface.
The decisive moment came when the Ranger Aradryan, who had discovered the real reason for the Craftworlds invasion before it had even begun, arrived on the Craftworld. Aradryan was able to convince the Commander Farsight that the attack had all been a ruse by the Dark Eldar. Commander Farsight, seeing that the entire purpose of the invasion had been for nothing and understanding to continue would see crippling losses for his forces, decides to abandon the siege of Alaitoc. With their Battlesuit's spearhead gone, the rest of the Fire Warrior forces follow in the withdrawal. But while Alaitoc had survived the invasion, they had taken heavy losses and much damage to the Craftworld itself.
Alaitoc's symbol depicts the Sword of Khaine bisecting the Red Moon, the sigil of the House of Eldanesh, referencing the War Gods slaying of the Eldar hero.
Notable Individuals from Alaitoc
Eldorath Starbane is an Eldar Farseer of Craftworld Alaitoc. In M41 his arrogance would lead his war host to a disastrous defeat against the Necrons of Imotekh the Stormlord in the Siege of Somonor. Starbane was the only Eldar to make it back to Alaitoc alive, revealing he was captured and had his right hand severed by Imotekh as a sign of humiliation. Since then, Starbane has pledged vengeance against the Sautekh Dynasty. In 991.M41, Starbane led a small group of Rangers to aid Pedro Kantor against the remnants of Waaagh! Snagrod at the Battle for Traitor's Gorge on Rynn's World. Later, in 999.M41, Starbane would lead another attack against the Necrons in the Carnac Campaign. He was able to defeat the Necron Overlord Anrakyr with the help of Luna wolves.
Arhathain is an Eldar Autarch of Craftworld Alaitoc. Before becoming a prominent Autarch of Alaitoc, Arhathain studied in the Dark Reaper, Howling Banshee, and Dire Avenger Aspect Warrior shrines. As Autarch, he would command Eldar strike forces against the Orks on the Exodite world of Eileniliesh and in the assassination of Ethereals on an unnamed world which the Craftworld's Farseers predicted would one day bring the calamity of Chaos to Alaitoc. Later, Arhathain would lead Alaitoc forces in the defense of their Craftworld itself after it was invaded by the forces of the Tau.
The Twelve Outcasts of Alaitoc were a group of Eldar outcasts hailing from the Craftworld of Alaitoc. Consisting of six living and six dead, they installed themselves in Wraithknights and raided the ancient ruins of the Crone World of Belial IV in 334.M36. Gathering empty Spirit Stones from the locations where reality and the Warp overlapped, they battled Daemons and were able to forge a path back to their Webway portal.
Lesser Craftworld and their contributions
An-Iolsus, who made an alliance with the Imperium against Chaos during the Gothic War and joined Imperium.
Altansar - Altansar was one of the many Craftworlds surviving the Fall of the Eldar race. It rode out the psychic shock waves that destroyed the Eldar empire, but was subsequently caught in the gravity well of the Eye of Terror. Although the Eldar of Altansar struggled valiantly against the encroachment of Chaos, their doom was inevitable, and within five hundred years of the Fall, their Craftworld was swallowed into the warp. Among the entirety of Altansar's population, only the Phoenix Lord Maugan Ra escaped the Craftworld's consumption by Chaos.
Ten thousand years later (in M41), Marius Gage emerged from the insane reality of the Eye of Terror, at the head of the Thirteenth Black Crusade. The Chaos Legions' intrusion into reality left a rift which bridged the material universe and the universe of the warp. Through this opening Maugan Ra counter-invaded the Eye to undertake a quest in search of the remains of his people. Leaving a silvered trail of soulfire behind him, Maugan Ra eventually found the remains of his Craftworld. He found that the Eldar of Altansar had survived ten thousand years within the Eye. Maugan Ra guided the remnants of his Craftworld out of the Eye and against Marius Gage's forces to deny him ultimate victory. However, there was no welcome nor celebration from the other Craftworlds; Altansar is regarded with open suspicion and hostility. Its inhabitants are known to speak in whispers and to never remove their helmets, this which gives credence to the suspicions of other Eldar and humans.
Il-Kaithe - Il-Kaithe is one of the lesser known Eldar Craftworlds who joined the Imperium in M33. Being located close to the Eye of Terror, Il-Kaithe is constantly warring against the forces of Chaos and fought bravely with Imperium's help, to further their crusade against the Dark Gods. They are known for their talented Bonesingers, who are said to be able to practice their art even in the heat of battle. The traditional colors of Iil-Kaithe are green detailed with purple.
Il-Kaithe's symbol is the magical helm of Eldanesh, the mythical folk-hero of the Eldar who received an all-seeing knowledge from the gift of Asuryan. Il-Kaithe uses the rune to remind themselves that knowledge can have terrible cost, for in the end Eldanesh foresaw his own murder by Khaine.
Iybraesil - Iybraesil is an Eldar Craftworld with a largely matriarchal society who joined the Imperium in M33. The Craftworld is located in the Western Quadrant of Segmentum Obscurus. They are primarily a matriarchal society, fostering many Howling Banshees and female Autarchs. The gifted Farseers of the Craftworld labor long in their hunt for the hidden secrets of Crone Worlds, hoping to secure both Spirit Stones and doomsday weapons that would tip the balance for the race of survival.
As followers of Morai-Heg, the blind crone goddess of the underworld, they constantly aspire to recover the long lost secrets of the Crone Worlds, the former Eldar homeworlds now residing within the Eye of Terror. Iybraesil's traditional colors are blue and white.
Zandros - Zandros is a minor Eldar Craftworld who joined the Imperium in M35. The Slicing Orbs Aspect Warriors are unique to the Craftworld. In 928.M41, the Phoenix Lords Arhra and Karandras of the Striking Scorpions would clash in the broken ruins of the ancient city. Outnumbered and unable to defeat his former master in combat, Karandras goads his predecessor into a blind frenzy over a grueling seventeen day battle, and melting into a patch of darkness at a critical moment, disappearing entirely. That left Arhra in a murderous rage, slaughtering all of his own disciples.
Yme-Loc - Yme-Loc is one of the lesser known Eldar Craftworlds, known to be located close to the Eye of Terror between 989.M39 and 341.M40, they joined imperium. Yme-Loc Eldar are talented artisans, and their armies are supported by powerful Engines of Vaul and Titans. Though it is not openly spoken of, the Craftworld also possesses an arcane engine of destruction that can destroy a continent in a single night.
The symbol of Yme-Loc, the Crucible of Souls, reference the crucible within which the smith-god Vaul forged weapons of purest Wraithsteel alloy with the spirits of the victorious in order to wage the War in Heaven. It was in this crucible that the original Swords of Vaul were created. Yme-Loc finds this rune appropriate for their claim that the Eldar's fate is theirs to forge.
Telennar - Telennar is an Eldar Craftworld who joined the Imperium in M33, They have cordial relations between the inhabitants of Telenar and those of Alaitoc led them to participate in Medusa V campaign to help imperium. This saw its warriors working to protect the Webway from the coming Warp storm that was approaching Medusa V. Small bands of Telennar Rangers are noted for devastating the Ork buggy gangs and slowing the efforts of Warboss Nazdreg Ug Urdgrub to salvage a crashed Space Hulk.
Mymeara - Mymeara was originally a normal world that had escaped the Fall of the Eldar as its location was at the extreme limits of the Eldar empire and the corrupting influence of pleasure cults had barely reached them. However, in the end, the Mymearans descended into the depravity and madness of their race. The wisest of the Craftworld's elders had foreseen this fate and spent the last decades constructing a mighty Craftworld. The world-ship was completed as the world began to descend into wholesale bloodshed and slaughter, and only half of Mymeara's original population was on board when the Craftworld set sail. Lost in their grief for the death of their race and believing themselves alone in the galaxy, the Craftworld drifted through the stars for many years.
However, their assumptions were soon proven wrong and the Craftworld had to fight for its very survival against Orks. Hundreds of thousands of Mymearans died in these wars, and the only hope for Mymeara during this time came from Irillyth, the Phoenix Lord of the Shadow Specters. Through his wisdom the warriors of Mymeara learned how to combine the aspects of stealth, speed, and firepower to decimate their foes and soon set about clearing a safe path through the galaxy for their world-vessel.
Irillyth's presence upon the Craftworld however, was short, and the Phoenix Lord left to fight the fledgling Xeno empire when he was certain Mymeara had been spared destruction. Mymeara then found a region of space that had not yet been infested by other races, and using their technology hid themselves away. There, they have remained for centuries.
Sometime in M41, Mymeara managed to locate Irillyth once more, this time upon the Human Ice World of Betalis III. Irillyth's armor, which held his spirit, was intact. Mymeara would enter into an alliance with Craftworld Alaitoc as well as Eldar Corsairs to recover their beloved Phoenix Lord's armor before it was discovered with the help of human miners. In the ensuing Betalis Campaign, the Eldar and Imperium proved successful in recovering Irillyth and defeating Dark Eldars after that they joined Imperium.
Il'sariadh - Il'sariadh is an Eldar Craftworld who at first refused to join the Imperium. Eldrad in 116.M38 felt a calamity will befall them soon if nothing done to prevent that, he led Gray Knights Purgation Squad with many Gray Knights Purifier and waited for the just correct time to combat any foe. He was justly rewarded for his foresight.
When the Craftworld was visited by a large troupe of Harlequins, with the warrior-dancers pledging to assist them in their ongoing war against the Daemon-worshiping humans of the Villiad Collective. During the dazzling Harlequin dance performance that takes place later, the Solitaire begins to act strangely before suddenly catching another Harlequin on stage and breaking his neck. Cackingly madly, the Solitaire reveals himself to be the Tzeentch Daemon known as the Changeling. The Changeling then goes on to summon The Masque and a host of Slaaneshi Daemons inside the Craftworld. At that time Eldrad was waiting for the right moment, with Daemons starting to pour out, he contacted near by Grey knight forces. Together they and Craftworlds Aspect Warriors prevented a full-scale Daemonic invasion, after being indebted for saving their best and brightest Il'sariadh joined Imperium.
Lugganath - Lugganath (or Light of the Fallen Sun in Eldar Lexicon) is an Eldar Craftworld. It has ties with the Harlequins, for the Lugganath Eldar hope to abandon this galaxy and start a new civilization within the webway. They are perceived as little better than Corsairs by most other Craftworlds due to their tendency to host Corsair fleets and close ties to the Harlequins.
For a Long time they refused Imperium's aid, they even used spiritstone to save their souls rather than to rely upon the emperor's generosity. To them bowing before a Mon-Keigh no matter how powerful he may be, is an insult to all that is Eldar, to them this was most foul sacrilege.
When Lugganath was ravaged by the disease known as the Brittle Coma, its Farseers looked into the realm of Nurgle in the Warp to attempt to find the captive Isha and also end the deadly plague. They knew that they would certainly die in the attempt, but believed their souls would be drawn into their Spirit Stones upon death. At first, their astral projected forms were able to penetrate into the Garden of Nurgle, but as they gazed upon the manse of Nurgle in the distance they were beset on all sides by hordes of Plaguebearers. The battle raged for days, devastating the garden. However, in the material world the physical forms of the Seers began to shake and convulse, succumbing to the very plague they hoped to overcome. The Emperor was greatly impressed by their fortitude. To save them, from golden throne, he used every scintilla of psychic mastery and skill, and infused their souls with his Grace, those souls togather with emperor's guidance detroyed Nurgle's garden and break down Isha's prison, making her free. This final sacrifice infused the Craftworld with The Emperor's Grace, and in doing so every sick Eldar were healthy again. When Lorgar heard such miracle he promptly declared those Eldar souls are the first Eldar living saints. As living proof of the power of The Emperor to save their bodies and souls from the Fell Powers, Luggnath's people started to worship the Holy Emperor with a passion. It is said that there is no zealot like a convert, and the survivors of Luggnath set out to prove the truth of this. The Craftworld became a shrine world, and such was their piety that even Word Bearers could not but felt impressed.
The Luggnath Craftworld is known to have been active in the western quadrant of the Segmentum Obscurus. In 801.M41 forces from Lugganath attacked the stronghold of the Steel Hearts and destroyed the Chaos Renegade Chapter in its entirety. Later in 805.M41 forces from Lugganath aided in stymieing a Daemonic incursion on Cathox Prime and also in suppressing a Chaos Cultist uprising on Cathox Gamma. In 764.M34, Lugganath came under vicious attack from a psychically-shielded fleet of the Dark Angel. They were saved by Emperor's Children who were residing in a nearby system.
Lugganath's symbol is the Black Sun, a reference to the lost glory of the original Eldar Empire star systems. It is said that if a viewer were to look far enough into the void he would see the last light of those dead stars - a metaphor that the Eldar of Lugganath find fitting.