Arten-Riath (Women of calling...The chosen)-fluff My Eldar Craftworld
This is the army that I used to field in 3rd-4th edition. I've just started getting back into the game recently and will most likely be playing 6th or 7th with some co-workers. So I will be doing some painting and repainting of my army, brand new colour scheme but the lore remains. Lemme know what you guys think.
*Before the fall…. Morai-Heg knew something the other gods did not. She knew their time was at an end. She shared this secret with one other, The Laughing God. He knew things were changing, but the other gods were too busy with petty squabbles to pay the Soul Keeper any mind. To all the others she tried to tell them of the coming darkness. All except Khaine, she had no love for Khaine.
In times past Khaine, or an aspect of Khaine had slain many of her followers. Through a pact Khaine removed her hand so she could learn something; in return, she gave him her Banshees. This was not enough for Khaine, for he was jealous and envious. Thru a confrontation once, Khaine forced Morai to retreat in secret or face death at his hands. As much as a goddess could die at any rate.
Using her third eye, the crone searched the Webway and the Warp in search of a suitable “home”; once the end came. As the Eldar descended into savagery, many of those gifted with the farsight, used or created Craftworlds to save their doomed race. Morai had found 3 such worlds, she thought suitable for habitation. These Craftworlds had strong ties to the Crone goddess. They were all Matriarchal societies, and they represented her future priestesses. The Banshees would return to her, Khaine did not deserve them. She began to plan.
*The fall…… As the once proud race receded from grace and fell further into decadence and barbarism, Morai set down her Gnarled staff. Reaching into her Skin Rune pouch, she pulled forth 3 parts of herself. These parts were in the form of 3 immaterial soul stones. To those loyal to her, she would continue to aid them after the fall. Standing, in the Heaven of the Webway, she cast them forth.
Iybraesil, their symbol was the Hand of Morai. Their task would be to recover the not yet lost history and secrets of their race.
Syalle, their symbol was the Skin Rune pouch. Their task would be as the keepers of things recovered.
Arten-Riath, their symbol was the Gnarled Staff of Morai. Their task would be to protect those secrets, and make sure that their enemies would never learn them.
After she cast forth the stones, The Heavens fell as the birth cry of Slaanesh began.
*Arten-Riath……. As the Chaos abomination was born, with the death of her beloved race, Morai wept. She had been burdened with this terrible secret. As the gods fell one by one to Slaanesh, Morai meditated and Spoke a secret to each of her chosen Craftworlds. Within each world would be the genetic seeds for her rebirth. The trait would carry from generation to generation. Until such time as her re-emergence would necessitate. As she spoke the secret to Farseer Astralia of Arten-Riath, she “died”. The wailing scream would forever be associated with this world. The scream was so loud and powerful that it forced the Craftworld into a deep hibernation. This served to save them from Slaaneshe’s predation.
Upon awakening, The Secret was revealed to the women of Arten-Riath. They had become the chosen fist of Morai-Heg. The Howling Banshee aspect pledged support to the Crone. Astralia set forth each Shrine, Seven all together, to become Noble houses. Each Shrine-house would be led by an Exarch governess. The Farseers, became Lore keepers, Warlocks became Archivers, each with a task in their new roles. Autarchs would lead the civil defence when the Craftworld or the fleet needed them.
The 6 main shrine houses would continue to train the Banshee Aspect, the seventh, the home of Astralia Varangii would become the head of the houses. She was told a special secret. She had been gifted with the lore of the Webway. She had been tasked to create a new Aspect in honor of the Seeress Morai, The Ethereal guard. The guard would be composed of former exarchs, would form the bodyguard of the seventh house. Each would be personally trained by the phoenix lord, Jain Zar.
The Entity of Jain Zar had always been there for the Crone. Now she had a new task from her dead mistress.
*Resurrection of Morai-Heg….
Millennia had passed after the fall, Astralia Varangii, had long since become one with the Infinity circuit. Her Descendant, Taela Varangii, now led the Craftworld. The young Lore keeper would face her first trial of fire soon enough. As the Fleet moved thru the Webway, they exited into a previously uncharted sector of space. Having no record of this sector they began to explore it. What they hadn’t known was that Chaos forces had been here for quite some time. On a small world, the chaos forces attacked. With many of their transports smashed and the fleet engaged in battle. Help would not be forthcoming. Losses were staggering, they needed help badly.
For the first time, they attempted to summon Khaine the bloody handed god. Lore keeper Varangii held the ceremony on the Craftworld. What happened next would change their course forever. The Exarch who would be a host for the avatar had a secret unknown even to herself. Within her was the dormant genetic material of the crone. As Khaine came forth to claim his sacrifice, he sensed the essence of Morai-Heg within. Angered by the outrage, Khaine forever swore off the Craftworld. He was the god of war and his will was greatest. Leaving as fast as he arrived, His bellow of anger rocked the Craftworld. He slew the Exarch as a final retribution to this affront.
When the Lore Keepers entered the chamber, they feared the worst. They fully expected to find the Exarch in shreds and the room covered in her blood. Instead they entered and found her sitting Indian style in meditation. In her lap was a Gnarled staff covered in runes of power. She looked at the shocked assembly and stood. Nude with wild flowing hair and blue motes of light in her eyes, she beckoned the Lore Keeper. Taela came forward slowly, slightly recognizing the former Exarch.
“Be not afraid, I am the Avatar of Morai-Heg, deliverer of Souls. I have a great secret to tell you.”
No one outside of that chamber knew what the secret was. But it turned the tide of Battle. The chaos fleet above the world was forced into retreat. Planetside the remaining expeditionary forces were in despair. The heavens opened in a hail of Energy and whirring shuriken fire. All around them chaos forces were torn to shreds. Emerging from the fog of war the avatar strode forth. The chosen had passed their greatest trial by fire. No longer able to call upon Khaine, their goddess proved more than sufficient to win the battle. Their goddess was alive and with them.
*Culture….
On Arten-Riath Women are the power base when it comes to mystical and military matters. This is not to say that males have no power. Both are equal to each other. The males attend to agricultural and family duties. It is they who teach the children in the ways of the Eldar. With a birthrate of 5 women to 1 male, this works in great symbiosis. The birth of a male is a blessing to the Craftworld, for it means they will not go extinct. The women of the Craftworld defend it from harm and provide trade relations to other Craftworlds. Their government is based on a feudal system of nobility and lineage. The ruling body is known as the Ethereal Shrine.
-Avatar of Morai-Heg: Leads the Craftworld during her time on the mortal plane.
-Jain-Zar: Is the right hand to the avatar and brings her news of other Craftworld activities.
-Lore Keepers (Farseers): Are the high priestesses of Morai and attend to the Avatars mortal existence. They train the Archivers and perform ceremonies. They have a seat at the Ethereal shrine.
-Archivers (Warlocks): Run Administrative tasks and care for the Wraithlord guardians.
-Autarchs: Control civil and fleet defense, they have a seat at the shrine.
-Exarch: They Form the noble families under the Autarchs, and lead the armies in battle. They have a seat at the shrine.
-The Ethereal Guard: Protect the Avatar in battle and have a seat at the shrine.
- Howling Banshees: Make up the military power on Arten-Riath, and are members of the noble families. They have a seat at the shrine due to the exarchs.
- The 7 Houses:
- The Ethereal Shrine (Home of the Avatar): Is the place Government rules from. The Ethereal guard train here. Current Lore keeper is Taela Varangii.
-House Fellblade (Current head of Military matters): Autarch Gesresys Fellblade
-House Silverleaf: Exarch Aelfsleyth Silverleaf
-House Oldtower: Exarch Athrelflys Oldtower, The Largest family on Arten-Riath.
-House Darkmoon: Exarch Iyisath Darkmoon, formerly of Iybraesil.
-House Brightknife: Exarch Eldsinyrs Brightknife Provides more Ethereal Guard than other houses.
-House Palewand: Exarch Finrenseth Palewand.
Iybraesil: They are sister worlds and are in frequent communications with them. They have great trade and work relations.
Syalle: The other member of the Trinity of fury. They are the repository of knowledge for the 3 Craftworlds. They have good relations to the Harlequins.
Harlequins: Keepers of the Black Library, they frequently have visitations from the Harlequins. It is said the laughing god sometimes walks the Craftworld.
Biel-tan: They have openly warred with Biel-tan at points, due to their relation to Khaine. They have been friends to the Craftworld at times also. They have a cold relationship.
Others: They have met with Iyanden and Ulthwe representatives and opened trade between them.
*Current Location... Segmentum Obscurus, Western Quadrant.
*Military…. It goes without saying that the Aspect of the chosen is the Banshee. They field large numbers of Banshee assault squads. They are backed by the power of the Ethereal guard. Storm guardians fill out the militia. Rangers frequent the world and assist the Banshees with long range firepower. Each house has a dedicated Wraithlord guardian. This guardian represents a fallen family member of great standing. Relying on mobility and speed they field Vypers for flanking and harassing moves. Walkers provide armor destroying capabilities, and mobility in forested areas.
Wave serpents provide the transport needs of the Craftworld. They are not a stationary army, and fair poorly in battles of attrition. The battle against the chaos forces proved that. Movement is key to them. They rarely form defensive lines of waiting. They move more like a serpent. Repositioning defense as needed. Although there are no other aspects on the Craftworld, sometimes the Swooping hawks of Syalle will assist them in the collection of soul stones.
The Living avatar….
The living avatar is Morai-Hegs essence inhabiting a physical form. Not as physically powerful as Khaine’s avatar, her abilities are more subtle but no less powerful. When the time comes only exceptional Lore Keepers or Exarchs can house the power of Morai. They will also tend to have the Soul glow; that Morai released so many centuries ago within them. The ceremony to summon her is complex and held in great secrecy. The secrecy comes from not wanting Slaanesh to become aware of her failure to kill every Eldar god. Once the Ceremony Is complete, a third eye appears on the forehead of the host. This eye represents the hidden knowledge of the Crone.
The presence of Morai-Hag is not as strenuous on the body, So once summoned, the avatar tends to live for a few hundred years. At “death” the avatar becomes one with the Infinity Circuit. The body becomes crystallized and is placed in the Hall of the Avatar. During her time the avatar leads the Craftworld and is attended by the Lore Keepers. The Ethereal Guard Makes sure she's around to lead.
submitted by
Tazirai to
40kLore
Arten-Riath (Women of calling...The chosen)-fluff My Eldar Craftworld
This is the army that I used to field in 3rd-4th edition. I've just started getting back into the game recently and will most likely be playing 6th or 7th with some co-workers. So I will be doing some painting and repainting of my army, brand new colour scheme but the lore remains. Lemme know what you guys think.
*Before the fall…. Morai-Heg knew something the other gods did not. She knew their time was at an end. She shared this secret with one other, The Laughing God. He knew things were changing, but the other gods were too busy with petty squabbles to pay the Soul Keeper any mind. To all the others she tried to tell them of the coming darkness. All except Khaine, she had no love for Khaine.
In times past Khaine, or an aspect of Khaine had slain many of her followers. Through a pact Khaine removed her hand so she could learn something; in return, she gave him her Banshees. This was not enough for Khaine, for he was jealous and envious. Thru a confrontation once, Khaine forced Morai to retreat in secret or face death at his hands. As much as a goddess could die at any rate.
Using her third eye, the crone searched the Webway and the Warp in search of a suitable “home”; once the end came. As the Eldar descended into savagery, many of those gifted with the farsight, used or created Craftworlds to save their doomed race. Morai had found 3 such worlds, she thought suitable for habitation. These Craftworlds had strong ties to the Crone goddess. They were all Matriarchal societies, and they represented her future priestesses. The Banshees would return to her, Khaine did not deserve them. She began to plan.
*The fall…… As the once proud race receded from grace and fell further into decadence and barbarism, Morai set down her Gnarled staff. Reaching into her Skin Rune pouch, she pulled forth 3 parts of herself. These parts were in the form of 3 immaterial soul stones. To those loyal to her, she would continue to aid them after the fall. Standing, in the Heaven of the Webway, she cast them forth.
Iybraesil, their symbol was the Hand of Morai. Their task would be to recover the not yet lost history and secrets of their race.
Syalle, their symbol was the Skin Rune pouch. Their task would be as the keepers of things recovered.
Arten-Riath, their symbol was the Gnarled Staff of Morai. Their task would be to protect those secrets, and make sure that their enemies would never learn them.
After she cast forth the stones, The Heavens fell as the birth cry of Slaanesh began.
*Arten-Riath……. As the Chaos abomination was born, with the death of her beloved race, Morai wept. She had been burdened with this terrible secret. As the gods fell one by one to Slaanesh, Morai meditated and Spoke a secret to each of her chosen Craftworlds. Within each world would be the genetic seeds for her rebirth. The trait would carry from generation to generation. Until such time as her re-emergence would necessitate. As she spoke the secret to Farseer Astralia of Arten-Riath, she “died”. The wailing scream would forever be associated with this world. The scream was so loud and powerful that it forced the Craftworld into a deep hibernation. This served to save them from Slaaneshe’s predation.
Upon awakening, The Secret was revealed to the women of Arten-Riath. They had become the chosen fist of Morai-Heg. The Howling Banshee aspect pledged support to the Crone. Astralia set forth each Shrine, Seven all together, to become Noble houses. Each Shrine-house would be led by an Exarch governess. The Farseers, became Lore keepers, Warlocks became Archivers, each with a task in their new roles. Autarchs would lead the civil defence when the Craftworld or the fleet needed them.
The 6 main shrine houses would continue to train the Banshee Aspect, the seventh, the home of Astralia Varangii would become the head of the houses. She was told a special secret. She had been gifted with the lore of the Webway. She had been tasked to create a new Aspect in honor of the Seeress Morai, The Ethereal guard. The guard would be composed of former exarchs, would form the bodyguard of the seventh house. Each would be personally trained by the phoenix lord, Jain Zar.
The Entity of Jain Zar had always been there for the Crone. Now she had a new task from her dead mistress.
*Resurrection of Morai-Heg….
Millennia had passed after the fall, Astralia Varangii, had long since become one with the Infinity circuit. Her Descendant, Taela Varangii, now led the Craftworld. The young Lore keeper would face her first trial of fire soon enough. As the Fleet moved thru the Webway, they exited into a previously uncharted sector of space. Having no record of this sector they began to explore it. What they hadn’t known was that Chaos forces had been here for quite some time. On a small world, the chaos forces attacked. With many of their transports smashed and the fleet engaged in battle. Help would not be forthcoming. Losses were staggering, they needed help badly.
For the first time, they attempted to summon Khaine the bloody handed god. Lore keeper Varangii held the ceremony on the Craftworld. What happened next would change their course forever. The Exarch who would be a host for the avatar had a secret unknown even to herself. Within her was the dormant genetic material of the crone. As Khaine came forth to claim his sacrifice, he sensed the essence of Morai-Heg within. Angered by the outrage, Khaine forever swore off the Craftworld. He was the god of war and his will was greatest. Leaving as fast as he arrived, His bellow of anger rocked the Craftworld. He slew the Exarch as a final retribution to this affront.
When the Lore Keepers entered the chamber, they feared the worst. They fully expected to find the Exarch in shreds and the room covered in her blood. Instead they entered and found her sitting Indian style in meditation. In her lap was a Gnarled staff covered in runes of power. She looked at the shocked assembly and stood. Nude with wild flowing hair and blue motes of light in her eyes, she beckoned the Lore Keeper. Taela came forward slowly, slightly recognizing the former Exarch.
“Be not afraid, I am the Avatar of Morai-Heg, deliverer of Souls. I have a great secret to tell you.”
No one outside of that chamber knew what the secret was. But it turned the tide of Battle. The chaos fleet above the world was forced into retreat. Planetside the remaining expeditionary forces were in despair. The heavens opened in a hail of Energy and whirring shuriken fire. All around them chaos forces were torn to shreds. Emerging from the fog of war the avatar strode forth. The chosen had passed their greatest trial by fire. No longer able to call upon Khaine, their goddess proved more than sufficient to win the battle. Their goddess was alive and with them.
*Culture….
On Arten-Riath Women are the power base when it comes to mystical and military matters. This is not to say that males have no power. Both are equal to each other. The males attend to agricultural and family duties. It is they who teach the children in the ways of the Eldar. With a birthrate of 5 women to 1 male, this works in great symbiosis. The birth of a male is a blessing to the Craftworld, for it means they will not go extinct. The women of the Craftworld defend it from harm and provide trade relations to other Craftworlds. Their government is based on a feudal system of nobility and lineage. The ruling body is known as the Ethereal Shrine.
-Avatar of Morai-Heg: Leads the Craftworld during her time on the mortal plane.
-Jain-Zar: Is the right hand to the avatar and brings her news of other Craftworld activities.
-Lore Keepers (Farseers): Are the high priestesses of Morai and attend to the Avatars mortal existence. They train the Archivers and perform ceremonies. They have a seat at the Ethereal shrine.
-Archivers (Warlocks): Run Administrative tasks and care for the Wraithlord guardians.
-Autarchs: Control civil and fleet defense, they have a seat at the shrine.
-Exarch: They Form the noble families under the Autarchs, and lead the armies in battle. They have a seat at the shrine.
-The Ethereal Guard: Protect the Avatar in battle and have a seat at the shrine.
- Howling Banshees: Make up the military power on Arten-Riath, and are members of the noble families. They have a seat at the shrine due to the exarchs.
- The 7 Houses:
- The Ethereal Shrine (Home of the Avatar): Is the place Government rules from. The Ethereal guard train here. Current Lore keeper is Taela Varangii.
-House Fellblade (Current head of Military matters): Autarch Gesresys Fellblade
-House Silverleaf: Exarch Aelfsleyth Silverleaf
-House Oldtower: Exarch Athrelflys Oldtower, The Largest family on Arten-Riath.
-House Darkmoon: Exarch Iyisath Darkmoon, formerly of Iybraesil.
-House Brightknife: Exarch Eldsinyrs Brightknife Provides more Ethereal Guard than other houses.
-House Palewand: Exarch Finrenseth Palewand.
Iybraesil: They are sister worlds and are in frequent communications with them. They have great trade and work relations.
Syalle: The other member of the Trinity of fury. They are the repository of knowledge for the 3 Craftworlds. They have good relations to the Harlequins.
Harlequins: Keepers of the Black Library, they frequently have visitations from the Harlequins. It is said the laughing god sometimes walks the Craftworld.
Biel-tan: They have openly warred with Biel-tan at points, due to their relation to Khaine. They have been friends to the Craftworld at times also. They have a cold relationship.
Others: They have met with Iyanden and Ulthwe representatives and opened trade between them.
*Current Location... Segmentum Obscurus, Western Quadrant.
*Military…. It goes without saying that the Aspect of the chosen is the Banshee. They field large numbers of Banshee assault squads. They are backed by the power of the Ethereal guard. Storm guardians fill out the militia. Rangers frequent the world and assist the Banshees with long range firepower. Each house has a dedicated Wraithlord guardian. This guardian represents a fallen family member of great standing. Relying on mobility and speed they field Vypers for flanking and harassing moves. Walkers provide armor destroying capabilities, and mobility in forested areas.
Wave serpents provide the transport needs of the Craftworld. They are not a stationary army, and fair poorly in battles of attrition. The battle against the chaos forces proved that. Movement is key to them. They rarely form defensive lines of waiting. They move more like a serpent. Repositioning defense as needed. Although there are no other aspects on the Craftworld, sometimes the Swooping hawks of Syalle will assist them in the collection of soul stones.
The Living avatar….
The living avatar is Morai-Hegs essence inhabiting a physical form. Not as physically powerful as Khaine’s avatar, her abilities are more subtle but no less powerful. When the time comes only exceptional Lore Keepers or Exarchs can house the power of Morai. They will also tend to have the Soul glow; that Morai released so many centuries ago within them. The ceremony to summon her is complex and held in great secrecy. The secrecy comes from not wanting Slaanesh to become aware of her failure to kill every Eldar god. Once the Ceremony Is complete, a third eye appears on the forehead of the host. This eye represents the hidden knowledge of the Crone.
The presence of Morai-Hag is not as strenuous on the body, So once summoned, the avatar tends to live for a few hundred years. At “death” the avatar becomes one with the Infinity Circuit. The body becomes crystallized and is placed in the Hall of the Avatar. During her time the avatar leads the Craftworld and is attended by the Lore Keepers. The Ethereal Guard Makes sure she's around to lead.
submitted by
Tazirai to
Warhammer40k