The Drukhari – Art of Cruelty – Part 5

In the shadowy corners of the Dark City, where the Archons rule with cruel impunity, a different breed of warriors rise, carving out their own path through the chaos. These are the Street Gangs of Helens, the last and most feral of the Dark City’s flyers. They are a motley crew, comprised of the young, the deviant, and those who have chosen to cast off the shackles of the Archons’ rule in pursuit of freedom. Their exploits echo through the darkened alleyways of Kar and reverberate in the real world, their audacity so great that they even dare to attack the Cabals of the Archons.

The Helens’ weapon of choice is the grav board, a complex, one-person, anti-gravity board that requires a level of expertise only achieved through the consumption of numerous combat drugs. When mastered, these boards render the Helens as swift and lethal as the blades of their hell glaves. Their leaders, the Hel Archs, are the most cunning and treacherous of these bandits. Their audacity and skill attract the attention of Archons and Succubi from Witch Cults, who are eager to incorporate such wild forces into their squads – albeit at a high price.

In the heat of battle, the Helens employ a ruthless strategy, swarming their enemies in a rapid raid, severing limbs at full speed before scattering to regroup for a second attack. Their savagery is a testament to their prowess, a chilling reminder of their lethal efficiency.

But the story of the Dark City isn’t complete without a glimpse into their formidable machines. The main battle transport of the Drukhari, the Raider Skimmers, are fast, light, and maneuverable platforms propelled by anti-gravitational technology. Adorned from top to bottom with blades and spikes, these Raiders bear a striking resemblance to ancient Eldar boats repurposed for combat. Lack of a roof allows the warriors to engage in battle, firing at enemies or leaping onto their opponents. After the battle, the Raiders serve a gruesome purpose – displaying captured slaves or trophies, and even transporting the corpses of their own fallen warriors with an eerie lack of respect.

A heavier version of this vessel, the Ravager, accommodates three powerful cannons. Its primary targets are the enemy’s heavy machinery, and it employs a unique tactic known as “The Shadow Dance” to bring down the colossal Titans. This maneuver requires supreme piloting skill and is considered one of the most difficult among Eldar pilots.

In the arsenal of the Drukhari, the Reaper stands as a menacing figure. This upgraded version of the Ravager is equipped with a Storm Vortex Projector, a formidable weapon that harnesses the might of the elements to disable enemy machinery and burn out the crew’s nervous system. Despite their size, Reapers rely on speed and maneuverability, making them a valued asset to the Cabals.

The Dark City is also home to the rare and expensive Tantalus, a relatively new addition to the Drukhari fleet. The Tantalus is a symbol of status and might, a testament to the dark power that thrives within the heart of the Dark City.

In the next part of this series, we will delve deeper into the lore of the Dark City, exploring the intricate dynamics of its inhabitants and the ruthless power that governs them. Stay tuned, and remember – in the Dark City, only the strongest survive.

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