Welcome back, faithful followers of the 40K universe! Today, we continue our multi-part series where we delve into the dread-inspiring legions of the Necrons. This entry focuses on their terrifying weaponry, the tragic curse that plagues them, their divisions, and the enigmatic Crypteks that hold significant sway in the Necron hierarchy.
Imagine being struck by a fragment of a collapsing star, the force field so intense it could turn battle tanks into molten slag and reduce fortified bunkers to mere dust particles. That’s the dread-inspiring power of the Particle Caster, a weapon that annihilates anything in its path, each shot a miniature cataclysm. This weapon, capable of firing concentrated bursts of antimatter, epitomizes the terror the Praetorians inspire.
The Necrons, once noble beings, are now ensnared in a ceaseless cycle of warfare and insanity, thanks to the Flayer virus. This curse, a final spiteful gift from the dying Star God Llandu’gor, gnaws away at their once-proud sanity. It drives them to grotesque displays of life, compelling them to drape their cold, metallic forms with the warm flesh of the living. The virus, as ancient as the Necrons themselves, casts a chilling shadow over their legions, eroding their minds and leaving behind a primal, savage hunger.
The common Necron warriors, ever vigilant, strive to expel or annihilate the afflicted. However, the unpredictability of the infected, who emerge abruptly from their pocket dimensions to sow death and vanish just as quickly, poses a relentless challenge. Fear of the virus’s spread prompts the Necron overlords, masters of order and strategy, to avoid contact with the mad and often destroy warriors suspected of infection.
Among the legions, a fraction known as the Destroyers wake from their 60-million-year slumber with minds fractured and twisted. These Necrons, their last moments spent in war and annihilation, embrace their nature as soulless machines. They undergo grotesque modifications to their bodies, enhancing their capacity for devastation. The Lokhust, for instance, are capable of decimating entire enemy squads with their augmented Gauss cannons in place of hands.
Another group, the Destroyers, alter their legs for increased battlefield mobility, gliding on gravitational platforms and bringing swift death. They’re found in nearly every tomb world, distinct from the rest of the Necron army. Their singular focus on eradicating life makes them a formidable but uncontrollable force.
The Necrons also have a curious connection to humanity. Rumors abound of humans transformed into Necrons, known as ‘Pariahs’. These Pariahs are unique due to their complete insensitivity to psychic influences and their ability to suppress psychic powers within a certain radius. Armed with warscythes featuring hyperphase blades, it’s theorized that the pariah gene in humans emerged due to Necron intervention.
Finally, we delve into the Crypteks, the pinnacle of the Necron hierarchy. Known for their profound knowledge and ability to manipulate the fundamental laws of nature, Crypteks are divided into various disciplines. For instance, ‘Chronomancers’ can manipulate time and foresee the future, while ‘Psychomancers’ study the psychic nature of other races for mind control. Some Necron overlords view Crypteks with suspicion, as their methods and goals can sometimes remain enigmatic.
These powerful beings also specialize in energy technologies, playing a key role in the creation of Necron weaponry. Many artifacts embedded in the bodies of Necron Lords and Overlords are the result of Cryptek work. For example, the ‘Veil of Darkness’ is a device that allows teleportation, and the ‘Resurrection Orb’ is a testament to Cryptek innovation.
So, as we continue our journey through the Warhammer 40K universe, we’re left with an awe-inspiring, if not terrifying, impression of the Necron legions. Whether it’s their dread-inspiring weaponry, the tragic curse that plagues them, the divisions among their ranks, or the enigmatic Crypteks that hold significant sway, the Necrons are a force to be reckoned with. Stay tuned for more deep dives into the lore of Warhammer 40K!
Leave a Reply