Warhammer 40k Archives

Unearthing the Mysteries of the Necrons: Tomb Worlds and Their Inhabitants

In the deep recesses of the universe, silent and foreboding, the Necron tombs lie in wait. These ancient structures have withstood the test of time and the ravages of cosmic events, a testament to the superior engineering of their creators. Each tomb, once part of a grand scheme to awaken all tombs simultaneously at the return of the Silent King, has now been reduced to a manual operation, a consequence of a damaged awakening system.

In the wake of this damage, the Necrons have found themselves splintered and without a unifying force. The Silent King’s deactivation of the common control protocols left each dynasty to fend for themselves, inciting a resurgence of dynastic wars. However, not all Necrons were consumed by this thirst for power. Some, like the renowned Trazyn, opted for a life of collecting artifacts and eccentric creatures rather than engaging in petty squabbles.

Now, the Silent King is tasked with the monumental challenge of reuniting the Necrons, awakening the dormant tombs, and mitigating conflicts with other factions, including the formidable Imperium of Man. A task made all the more urgent with looming threats like the Tyranids on the horizon.

Tomb worlds are classified into three types: crown worlds, central and peripheral ones. Crown worlds often fare better in their long hibernation and serve as symbols of their respective dynasties. For instance, one dynasty’s home world isn’t on a planet at all, but nestled within a star – a testament to the marvels of Necron technology. This ingenious location not only provides an ample power source but also acts as a natural deterrent against any would-be attackers. The only route to these tombs is through remote portals that traverse the Webway and provide a special passage.

The Necrons, in stark contrast to the Imperium’s aversion to artificial intelligence, embrace it. They’ve mastered the manipulation of time and space, defeated gods, and are fearless in the face of a machine uprising because they themselves are machines. The Necron tombs are maintained by a variety of artificially intelligent constructs, each performing specific tasks.

For instance, the handy scarabs, resembling small beetles and equipped with antigravity engines, are the universal assemblers and builders of the Necron world. They patrol tirelessly, fixing malfunctions and repurposing unnecessary constructions. These tiny custodians, in large numbers, can cause significant destruction, disintegrating everything from enemy fortifications to large human cities!

More advanced constructs, such as the arachnid-like Canoptek spiders, maintain and repair complex communication systems ensuring their longevity. They also serve as mobile factories, producing scarabs on the go! Once a tomb is awakened, these Canoptek spiders become formidable opponents on the battlefield, equipped with a variety of weapons.

Then we have the Canoptek Wraiths, slender and elongated constructs designed for repairing hard-to-reach places. Using phase shift technology, these wraiths move through solid objects, quickly detecting intrusions and fixing damages in the most inaccessible places.

The awakening of the Necrons is a sight to behold. The lower social strata awake first, receiving standard bodies with self-repair capabilities. Professional soldiers receive more advanced bodies with improved armor and recovery speed. Higher-ranked Necrons, such as scientists, guards, and rulers, receive bodies with additional arms, tentacles, and other enhancements for conducting complex technological operations. The highest-ranking Necrons, the agronomists, patriarchs, and the Pharaoh himself, possess the most powerful and technologically advanced bodies.

As we delve deeper into the cosmic mysteries of the Necron world, the complexities of their society and the marvels of their technology become even more intriguing. From the scarabs that patrol their tombs to the Pharaohs with their advanced bodies, each Necron has a crucial role to play in the grand scheme of things. As we continue our journey into the lore of the Warhammer 40,000 universe, stay tuned for more insights into the lives and battles of these fascinating beings.