Background and Lore of the Dark Eldar
The Dark Eldar, or Drukhari as they refer to themselves, are a race of ancient and malevolent beings who thrive in the dark city of Commorragh. They are the remnants of the Eldar civilization that fell to the chaos of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess and pleasure. The Dark Eldar are characterized by their cruel and sadistic nature, seeking to prolong their existence by capturing and tormenting other beings to harvest their souls.
Key aspects of their lore include:
- The Fall of the Eldar: The Dark Eldar are a splinter group from the ancient Eldar race, who fell into decadence and hedonism, leading to their catastrophic downfall.
- Commorragh: The Dark Eldar's home, a sprawling, labyrinthine city that exists in the Webway, a dimension that connects different worlds.
- Raiders and Pirates: Dark Eldar often raid other civilizations, capturing slaves and resources to fuel their sinister practices.
- The Haemonculi: A sect of Dark Eldar that specializes in torture and body modification, they play a crucial role in the survival of their race.
The lore is rich with themes of pain, pleasure, and the consequences of excess, making the Dark Eldar a unique faction within the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Army Composition and Units
The Dark Eldar Codex 7th Edition offers a diverse selection of units, emphasizing speed, agility, and deadly firepower. Players building a Dark Eldar army will find that the codex supports a variety of playstyles, from fast attack to heavy support.
Core Units
The core units found in the Dark Eldar Codex include:
- Kabals: The backbone of the Dark Eldar army, Kabals are made up of warriors equipped with splinter rifles and various powerful weapons.
- Wych Cults: These units focus on close combat, featuring Wyches who are deadly in melee and excel at taking down enemy units.
- Haemonculi Covens: These are the twisted practitioners of pain and suffering, bringing unique abilities and units to the army.
Special Characters
The codex also introduces several notable special characters, each with unique abilities and traits:
- Drazhar: A legendary warrior known as the Master of Blades, who can take on multiple opponents in combat.
- Asdrubael Vect: The Supreme Overlord of the Dark Eldar, a master tactician and manipulator with powerful abilities.
- Urien Rakarth: The most infamous Haemonculus, known for his grotesque experiments and powerful wargear.
These characters add depth to the Dark Eldar army and provide players with powerful options that can turn the tide of battle.
Special Rules and Abilities
The Dark Eldar Codex 7th Edition introduces several special rules that enhance gameplay and reflect the faction's unique characteristics.
Combat Drugs
One of the defining features of the Dark Eldar is their use of combat drugs. These drugs grant various buffs to their units, such as increased strength, agility, or other combat-related enhancements. Players can roll to determine the specific effects at the start of the game, adding an element of unpredictability and strategy.
Hit and Run
Many Dark Eldar units possess the Hit and Run special rule, allowing them to disengage from combat after fighting. This reflects the faction's hit-and-run tactics, enabling players to strike quickly and retreat before the enemy can retaliate.
Fear and Terror
The Dark Eldar instill fear in their enemies through their brutal methods and disturbing presence. Certain units can impose a fear test on opponents, causing them to hesitate or falter in battle. This can be particularly effective against less experienced armies, giving the Dark Eldar an edge in psychological warfare.
Strategies for Playing Dark Eldar
Successfully wielding a Dark Eldar army requires careful planning and an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the faction. Here are some strategies to consider:
Fast Attack Focus
Dark Eldar units are incredibly fast and mobile. Players should leverage this speed to outmaneuver opponents, striking vulnerable targets and retreating before the enemy can respond. Utilizing vehicles like Ravagers and Venoms can enhance this mobility, allowing players to engage and disengage effectively.
Target Priority
The Dark Eldar excel in eliminating key enemy units quickly. Players should prioritize targets that pose the most significant threat, such as enemy heavy weapons teams or powerful characters. By focusing fire on these units, players can diminish the enemy's effectiveness and control the battlefield.
Utilizing Terrain
Dark Eldar players should take advantage of terrain and cover to protect their units while advancing. The use of cover can mitigate the impact of enemy fire, allowing Dark Eldar units to close the gap and engage in close combat, where they excel.
The Dark Eldar in the Broader Warhammer 40,000 Narrative
The Dark Eldar play a crucial role in the ongoing narrative of Warhammer 40,000. As a faction, they embody the themes of excess and decay, contrasting with the noble Eldar and the oppressive forces of Chaos. Their constant raids on other civilizations fuel the ongoing cycle of violence in the universe, and their interactions with other factions often lead to tense and unpredictable encounters.
Alliances and Enmities
Dark Eldar often find themselves in precarious alliances with other factions, such as the Chaos forces or even the Orks, driven by mutual benefit or the desire to achieve a common goal. However, their inherent distrust and cruelty often lead to betrayal and conflict, keeping the narrative dynamic and engaging.
Future Developments
As the Warhammer 40,000 universe continues to evolve, the Dark Eldar remain a pivotal faction. Their lore is ripe for expansion, and players eagerly anticipate new releases that will further explore their dark and twisted nature. The potential for new units, characters, and storylines ensures that the Dark Eldar will remain a compelling choice for both new and veteran players alike.
Conclusion
The Dark Eldar Codex 7th Edition is an essential resource for players who wish to delve into the dark and intricate world of the Drukhari. With its rich lore, diverse army composition, and unique gameplay mechanics, this codex offers a captivating experience for those looking to command a force of sadistic raiders. Whether you’re drawn to their fast-paced tactics, brutal melee combat, or intricate narrative, the Dark Eldar provide an engaging and challenging option within the Warhammer 40,000 universe. As players explore the depths of Commorragh, they will find that the Dark Eldar are not just a faction to be played but a dark mythos to be experienced.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main strengths of the Dark Eldar army in the 7th edition Codex?
The main strengths of the Dark Eldar army in the 7th edition Codex include their high mobility, access to powerful psychic powers, and the ability to inflict devastating damage with their rapid-fire weapons and specialized units like Ravagers and Talos.
How does the Dark Eldar Codex in 7th edition handle transports?
The Dark Eldar Codex emphasizes the importance of transports, particularly the Raider and Venom. These vehicles provide mobility and protection, allowing units to engage the enemy quickly while benefiting from their unique abilities like deploying units and enhancing firepower.
What are the key changes in the Dark Eldar Codex 7th edition compared to previous editions?
Key changes in the Dark Eldar Codex 7th edition include the introduction of the Formations, which provide additional rules and bonuses for specific combinations of units, and the updated psychic powers that offer more strategic options during gameplay.
Which units are considered essential in a competitive Dark Eldar army list in 7th edition?
Essential units in a competitive Dark Eldar army list include Ravagers for their long-range firepower, Wyches for close combat, and Haemonculi for support and healing capabilities, alongside the use of Flyers for versatility and board control.
What is the significance of the Dark Eldar's 'Combat Drugs' in the 7th edition Codex?
Combat Drugs are significant because they provide unique buffs to Dark Eldar units, enhancing their performance in various aspects such as weapon skill, strength, or initiative, allowing players to tailor their units to specific strategies or matchups.
How does the Dark Eldar Codex 7th edition approach psychic powers?
The Dark Eldar Codex in 7th edition features a dedicated psychic discipline called 'Malefic' which includes a range of psychic powers designed to enhance the army's offensive capabilities, support units, and control the battlefield, allowing for versatile tactical options.
