The Dark City: Commorragh
Deep within the shadowy depths of the Webway, a space beyond both realspace and the Warp, lies Commorragh, the infamous capital of the Drukhari, or Dark Eldar. This sprawling and malevolent city embodies the cruelty, decadence, and thirst for power that defines its denizens.
Origins
Commorragh’s history stretches back to the height of the ancient Eldar empire. Originally established as Port Commoragh in M18, it served as a vital hub in the Webway, allowing Eldar fleets to traverse the galaxy efficiently. Its strategic location granted it autonomy, drawing in those seeking refuge from the scrutiny of their peers. Over millennia, it absorbed nearby locations, growing into a realm of unrivaled decadence, wealth, and power.
The Fall of the Eldar
By M31, the hubris of the Eldar led to the catastrophic birth of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of Excess. This event shattered their empire, and many survivors retreated into the Webway to escape annihilation. Commorragh became a sanctuary for these displaced Eldar, but it also evolved into a den of cruelty. Noble houses rose to power, and the city fell under the sway of Asdrubael Vect, Supreme Lord of the Kabal of the Black Heart.
Vect claims to have founded Commorragh and pioneered the soul extraction techniques essential to Drukhari survival. His ascent to power culminated in M35, after orchestrating the fall of the old aristocracy during an Imperium raid that decimated his rivals.
Invasions and Civil War
Commorragh has faced many assaults, both internal and external. Notable events include:
- Ork Assault of 227.M38: Warboss Zoggit’s Greenskins invaded the Dark City, causing significant damage. However, the Drukhari turned disaster into spectacle, capturing tens of thousands of Orks for their gladiatorial arenas.
- Dysjunction of Yvraine: The rise of Yvraine, a prophet of the Ynnari, triggered widespread instability in the city. Khaine’s Gate burst open, unleashing daemonic incursions that ravaged entire districts.
These events left Commorragh in a state of perpetual civil war, with Vect struggling to maintain dominance against growing Ynnari influence.
Regions and Satellite Realms
Commorragh is not a singular city but a composite of interconnected realms. Regions are controlled by powerful Kabals, with ever-shifting borders dictated by betrayal and violence.
- High Commorragh: The central spire of the city, home to the most powerful Kabals.
- Port of Lost Souls: A primary gateway to Commorragh, bustling with slave markets and raiders preparing for their next attack.
- Aelindrach: Known as the Shadow Realm, this district has become Kheradruakh’s lair, where unspeakable horrors dwell.
Satellite Realms:
Many sub-realms linked via Webway portals effectively function as parts of Commorragh. These include playgrounds for cults of excess, created before the Fall, now corrupted and folded into the greater Dark City.
Notable Sub-Realms:
- Chasm of Woe
- Pandaimon
- Shaa-Dom
The Dark City’s Immensity
Commorragh’s size defies comprehension, reflecting the trillions of Eldar souls who once inhabited it. Its energy needs are supplied by Illmaea, stolen suns ripped from realspace and trapped in the Webway. These sub-realm stars illuminate the vast spires and sprawling depths of the city, ensuring its denizens can indulge in their insidious pursuits.
The Current State of Commorragh
Today, Commorragh is a fractured empire of intrigue and bloodshed. As Vect’s forces attempt to crush Ynnari sympathizers, rival Kabals, Wych Cults, and alien invaders vie for dominance. Despite its internal chaos, the Dark City remains a crucible of unimaginable cruelty and twisted ambition, a fitting heart for the Drukhari’s dark deeds.
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