A History Forged in Metal and Sorrow
The Rise and Fall of the Necrontyr
Before the Imperium, before the rise and fall of the Eldar, there were the Necrontyr. A race of mortals, their lives were short, filled with disease, and marked by a burning obsession with immortality. They gazed at the stars and saw only their own limitations, yearning to transcend the frailty of flesh. This ambition led them down a dark path, forever altering their destiny.
The Necrontyr were a technologically advanced people, masters of science and innovation, but their ambition was their undoing. They discovered the C’tan, beings of immense power, beings of pure energy that fed on the very fabric of reality. These “Star Gods” offered the promise of eternal life, but it came at a terrible cost. The Necrontyr, seduced by the allure of immortality, underwent the Biotransference – a process that transformed them from flesh and blood into metal and circuits, into the Necrons.
The Biotransference and the C’tan
The Biotransference was a tragedy. The Necrontyr were converted into tireless, unfeeling automatons. They gained immortality, but they lost their souls, their emotions, and their free will. The C’tan, once revered, became their masters. Their consciousnesses were fractured, bound to the cold logic of a machine. The Necrons were then driven to wage a galaxy-spanning war to seize control and dominate all races.
The Great Sleep and Awakening
After a long and bloody conflict, the Necrons, exhausted and weakened, went into a period of slumber. They retreated to their vast, underground Tomb Worlds, awaiting the time when they would reawaken. During their eons-long slumber, the C’tan were betrayed and shattered, and the Necrons prepared to reclaim their domain.
This “Great Sleep” was not without its price. As the millennia passed, the Necrons’ systems decayed, their memories fragmented, and their personalities warped. The subsequent awakenings were often chaotic and incomplete. The Necrons who emerged were often less than the sum of their parts, a collection of fragmented personalities, driven by the directives of their ancient overlords.
The Silent King’s Return
The emergence of the Silent King, the supreme ruler of the Necrons, represents a turning point. His return signals a new era for the Necrons, one where they strive to regain control of their empire and their destiny. The Necrons in Warhammer 40k are not merely mindless automatons; they are a race of fallen gods, forever seeking to reclaim what they have lost. Their history is a cautionary tale of unchecked ambition, the allure of power, and the cost of eternal life.
Strategic Metal: Mastering Necron Tactics
Overview of Necron Tactics
Playing as the Necrons in Warhammer 40k offers a unique and rewarding experience. Their gameplay is characterized by resilience, overwhelming firepower, and the strategic use of special abilities. To understand the Necrons in battle, one must master these key aspects of their gameplay.
Reanimation Protocols and Durability
One of the Necrons’ defining traits is their incredible durability. The “Reanimation Protocols” are a key part of their army’s strength. When a Necron model is slain in combat, there’s a chance that it will reanimate on the battlefield at the end of the phase, standing once more to fight for the cause. This mechanic makes them incredibly difficult to eliminate, requiring careful planning and concentrated firepower from the enemy.
Living Metal and Weaponry
Another crucial ability is “Living Metal,” which reinforces the units with innate durability. The Necron vehicles and constructs often have high toughness, and access to regeneration of wounds, making them highly resilient against various types of attacks.
The Necron units often feature a wide range of weaponry, from gauss flayers which can strip away armor to the devastating power of the gauss weapons, designed to disintegrate the enemy.
Army Deployment and Tactics
A Necron army can deploy in a variety of ways, from a slow, grinding advance, utilizing the strength of numbers and resilience, to a rapid, aggressive assault force, spearheaded by swift vehicles, depending on the Dynasty selected, which provide different advantages. Careful consideration should be given to the strengths and weaknesses of each unit when planning a Necron army.
Characters and Support
The use of characters can also make or break a battle. Overlords, Crypteks, and Destroyer Lords, are essential for providing crucial buffs, reanimating fallen comrades, and ensuring the battlefield efficiency. Understanding the special abilities of the units and how to support them is the key to victory.
The Metallic Legions: Units of the Necron Army
Infantry Units
A Necron army is built upon a foundation of unwavering soldiery, supported by advanced technology and powerful character. The basic units of a Necron army are the Warriors and Immortals, each with a specific purpose on the battlefield. The following are some of the Necron army units that dominate the battlefield:
Warriors: The backbone of any Necron force, Warriors are armed with gauss flayers that excel at destroying enemies at close range. Their resilience and the Reanimation Protocols make them a persistent threat that is tough to remove from the battlefield.
Immortals: Elite infantry, the Immortals provide extra punch. They are armed with gauss blasters, which are more effective at range and at taking down armored targets.
Deathmarks: Highly specialized snipers, Deathmarks can be deployed by deep striking onto the battlefield, picking off valuable targets with pinpoint accuracy.
Flayed Ones: These units are a shock attack unit used to overwhelm enemy lines in close combat. The Flayed Ones are unique units, cursed with a hunger for flesh, making them a disturbing force in battle.
Vehicles and Heavy Support
Doomsday Ark/Ghost Ark: Serving dual roles, the Doomsday Ark is a mobile artillery platform armed with a devastating Doomsday cannon, while the Ghost Ark serves as a transport for Warriors, reinforcing their numbers on the battlefield.
Monolith: A terrifying construct, the Monolith is a teleportation gateway and a powerful weapon platform, able to move rapidly across the battlefield and unleash a barrage of destructive energy.
Heavy Destroyers: Providing long-range firepower, the Heavy Destroyers are dedicated to obliterating armor and elite units.
Tomb Blades: Fast attack units, the Tomb Blades are agile riders who provide scouting, reconnaissance, and anti-infantry capabilities, harassing the enemy and disrupting their plans.
Characters and Leadership
Overlords and Crypteks: At the heart of any Necron force lies its leaders. Overlords lead the charge, providing buffs and tactical support to their units, while Crypteks are specialists who provide essential support for the army.
Destroyer Lords: These Destroyer Lords lead the melee charge and are relentless in close combat.
C’tan Shards: The remnants of the C’tan Star Gods. Shards are incredibly powerful, possessing a devastating array of abilities.
The Empires of the Undying: Dynasties and the Necron Story
Dynasty Overview
Necron armies are organized into Dynasties. These are the remnants of the Necrontyr civilizations that once dominated the galaxy. Each Dynasty has its unique style, characteristics, and military focus. The Dynasty chosen dictates the army-building and strategic focus, affecting the battlefield gameplay.
Dynasty Characteristics
Mephrit: This Dynasty favors overwhelming firepower. Units of the Mephrit Dynasty excel in ranged combat and seek to overwhelm the enemy through sheer force.
Novokh: The Novokh Dynasty is known for their aggressive close combat tactics and a thirst for war. Their units are specialized in close-range engagements.
Sautekh: The Sautekh Dynasty takes a balanced approach, featuring units and strategic versatility. They are often seen as well-rounded armies capable of adapting to any situation.
Szarekhan: As the Dynasty of the Silent King, Szarekhan are characterized by their iron discipline and their superior warriors. Szarekhan units are known for their resilience.
Dynasty Gameplay Influence
Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each Dynasty, and adapting your army, is essential for crafting a successful Necron force. The Dynasty provides the flavor of the game and enhances the uniqueness of the Necron units.
The Necrons in the Galaxy: A Legacy of Destruction
Necron’s Role in the 40k Universe
The Necrons’ reawakening has sent shockwaves through the Warhammer 40k galaxy. Their ancient technology and unwavering determination make them one of the most dangerous forces. They often clash with other factions. The constant war between the Necrons and Space Marines, the endless swarm of Tyranids, or the manipulative nature of the Eldar are important storylines in the current Warhammer 40k narratives.
Themes and Influence
The Necrons represent the themes of decay, immortality, and the folly of unchecked ambition. They stand as a warning against seeking power without understanding the cost. They continue to influence the balance of power in the galaxy. Their presence shapes the very essence of Warhammer 40,000, reminding the Imperium and the other races that the past holds many horrors that may be reawakened.
Future Prospects
The future of the Necrons in Warhammer 40k is uncertain. The Silent King works to reclaim the lost empire. The Necrons’ quest for galactic dominance continues, ensuring the unending conflict. The future of the Necrons will be a core part of the storyline of the Warhammer 40k universe.
In summary, the Necrons are a fascinating and formidable faction. Their history of betrayal, the resilience of their units, and the complex stories of their Dynasties all contribute to their unique and chilling presence in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They are a testament to the enduring appeal of the Grim Dark future.
