Difference between revisions of "Wraithlord"

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(Writing a more complete history, clarifying timing of name change and why Dreadnoughs and Wraithlords and Spirit Warriors are kind all the same thing.)
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{{EldarPortal}}
 
{{EldarPortal}}
 
[[File:WLArt.png|thumb|right|250px|Wraithlord]]
 
[[File:WLArt.png|thumb|right|250px|Wraithlord]]
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'''Wraithlords''' (also known as '''Iron Knights''', '''Wraith-Giants''' and '''Eldar Dreadnoughts'''){{Fn|3}} are giant [[Wraith-construct]]s made of [[wraithbone]] and inhabited by the souls of dead [[Eldar]] heroes. Towering far above their still-living brethren, the Wraithlord is a force to be reckoned with. Only the most [[Exarch|capable warriors]] of the [[Craftworld]]s are encased inside them, although the exact reason why is unclear. They can be armed with a myriad of weapons, including [[close combat|melee]], short-ranged, and long-ranged, with the ability to smash most enemies in combat.
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'''Wraithlords''', known previously as '''Eldar Dreadnoughts''',{{Fn|3}} and mythically as '''Iron Knights''' and '''Wraith-Giants''', and are gigantic [[Wraith Construct]]s made of [[Wraithbone]] and inhabited by the souls of dead [[Eldar]] heroes through [[Soul Stone]]s.{{Fn|3}} Towering far above their still-living brethren, the Wraithlord is a force to be reckoned with. Only the most [[Exarch|capable warriors]] of the [[Craftworld]]s are encased inside them, although the exact reason why is unclear. They can be armed with a myriad of weapons, including [[close combat|melee]], short-ranged, and long-ranged, with the ability to smash most enemies in combat.
  
 
==Overview==
 
==Overview==
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*'''Night-Howler''' - A siege pattern equipped with a [[Demolisher_(Melee Weapon)|demolisher]] wrecking ball, an  [[Lascannon]], a [[Shuriken_Catapult|Shuriken Catapult]] and a [[power field]] generator.{{Fn|10}}
 
*'''Night-Howler''' - A siege pattern equipped with a [[Demolisher_(Melee Weapon)|demolisher]] wrecking ball, an  [[Lascannon]], a [[Shuriken_Catapult|Shuriken Catapult]] and a [[power field]] generator.{{Fn|10}}
 
*[[Phantom Seer]] - Contains the [[Spirit Stone]]s of powerful [[Warlock]]s.{{Fn|12}}
 
*[[Phantom Seer]] - Contains the [[Spirit Stone]]s of powerful [[Warlock]]s.{{Fn|12}}
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*[[Harlequin Wraithlord]] - Used by [[Harlequins]].{{Fn|14}}
 
  
 
==Famous Wraithlords==
 
==Famous Wraithlords==
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</gallery></center>
 
</gallery></center>
  
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==Trivia==
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==See Also==
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*[[Harlequin Dreadnought]]
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 +
==Development History==
 
{{Trivia}}
 
{{Trivia}}
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[[File:Spiritwarriorpicwd101pg 53.jpg|thumb|100px|right|Spirit-Warrior]]Spirit-Warrior
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===Rogue Trader===
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:Eldar Dreadnoughts first appeared in [[White Dwarf 100 (UK)]], May 1988, pg.2. They are presented alongside [[Imperium|Imperial]] and [[Orks|Ork]] [[Dreadnought]]s. It is mentioned that Eldar craftsmen operate these machines through a "mind-impulse link", allowing them to control the dreadnoughts as if they were their own bodies.{{Fn|9}}
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[[File:EldarDreadnoughtColors.png|thumb|250px|right|'''Eldar Dreadnoughts''' painted in colorways of the [[Eldar Corsair]]s, including a pilot (second figure).{{fn|9}}]]
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:Dreadnoughts were joined a month later in [[White Dwarf 101 (UK)]], June 1988, pg 2, by the '''Spirit-Warrior''', also known by its commercial name: ''Eldar War Robot''. Similar in design to Eldar Dreadnoughts, the main difference is that they are controlled by an [[Infinity Circuit]] rather than a pilot, and they can use Psychic Power if the transferred Eldar spirit is that of a [[Seer]].{{Fn|10}}
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First appearing as the '''[[Dreadnought#Eldar_Dreadnoughts|Eldar Dreadnought]]''' in [[White Dwarf 100 (UK)]] in May of 1988, alongside [[Imperium|Imperial]] and [[Orks|Ork]] [[Dreadnought]]s, the '''Eldar Dreadnought''' was a tall and elegant machine crafted by its pilot in a giant automated factory within a [[Craftworlds|Craft-Worlds]].{{Fn|9}} It was controlled either through manual controls and screens inside its bulbous cockpit or through a "mind-impulse link" which would use the [[Eldar]]'s own brain to run mental targeting programs and puppet the Dreadnought as if it were their own body, and powered by a [[Crystal Battery]].{{Fn|9}} The Dreadnought was described with three assembly patterns:
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;Evolution toward the Wraithlord
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*'''War-Demon''' Assault Dreadnought - with hand-mounted [[Shuriken Catapult]]s{{Fn|9}}
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:The '''Spirit-Warrior''' miniature-design and rules didn't make it in [[Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition)]]; however, the Eldar Dreadnought lore evolved: ''An Eldar Dreadnought contains the spirit of a dead Eldar warrior''{{Fn|11}}, and its name was eventually changed to '''Wraithlord''' in [[Codex: Eldar (3rd Edition)]] (see pg 18).
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*'''War-Cry''' Assault Dreadnought - with one hand-mounted [[Shuriken Catapult]] and a [[Laser_weapon#Eldar|Laser Cannon]]{{Fn|9}}
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*'''Banshee''' Support Dreadnought - with two hand-mounted [[Flamer]]s and a shoulder-mounted [[Missile Launcher]].{{Fn|9}}
 +
 
 +
[[File:SpiritWarrior.png|thumb|200px|right|The Spirit-Warrior fights beside two [[Ghost-Warrior]]s{{Fn|10}}]]
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One month later in June of 1988 [[White Dwarf 101 (UK)]] would introduce a new concept: the [[Infinity Circuit]], by which the memory and personality patterns of a dead [[Eldar]] could transfered into a machine body via a ''Soul-Graft'', as well as a new unit: the '''Spirit Warrior''' simmilar in every way to the Dreadnought with the notable exception that this Infinity Circuit would replace the living pilot.{{Fn|10}} This new '''Spirit-Warrior''' would retain the psychic mastery of the soul that embodied it, running on circuits of Memory, Emotion, Logic, and Perception.{{Fn|10}} The '''Spirit Warrior''' could be built with the same patterns of the Dreadnought, '''War-Demon''', '''War-Cry''', and '''Banshee''' with an additional pattern:
 +
* '''Vampire''' Spirit-Warrior - with a [[Plasma cannon|Heavy Plasma Gun]] and hand-mounted [[Shuriken Catapult]].{{Fn|10}}
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===2nd Edition and Beyond===
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[[Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition)]] in 1994 would formally combine the two concepts, describing an '''Eldar Dreadnought''' which was imbued with the intelect of the long-dead eldar through a [[Spirit Stone]],{{Fn|3}} as well as introducing the concept of the smaller [[Wraith Construct]]s in the [[Wraithguard]].{{Fn|3}} [[Codex: Eldar (3rd Edition)]] in 1999 would introduce a new name for the model, differentiating it from the [[Imperial]] and [[Ork]] [[Dreadnought]]s and finally giving it a name befiting it's stature: the '''Wraithlord'''.{{Fn|11}}
  
 
==Sources==
 
==Sources==
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*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Eldar (6th Edition)]], pgs. 50 & 103
 
*{{Endn|7}}: [[Codex: Eldar (6th Edition)]], pgs. 50 & 103
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Valedor (Novel)]], Chapter Two
 
*{{Endn|8}}: [[Valedor (Novel)]], Chapter Two
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*{{Endn|9}}: [[White Dwarf 100 (UK)]], pgs. 67-68
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*{{Endn|9}}: [[White Dwarf 100 (UK)]], pgs. 67-79
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 101 (UK)]], pgs. 52-53
 
*{{Endn|10}}: [[White Dwarf 101 (UK)]], pgs. 52-53
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*{{Endn|11}}: [[Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition)]], pg. 77
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*{{Endn|11}}: [[Codex: Eldar (3rd Edition)]], pg. 15
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[The Citadel Journal 36]], pgs. 57-58 - ''From the Forges of Khaine''  
 
*{{Endn|12}}: [[The Citadel Journal 36]], pgs. 57-58 - ''From the Forges of Khaine''  
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Warhammer Siege]], pg. 120
 
*{{Endn|13}}: [[Warhammer Siege]], pg. 120
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*{{Endn|14}}: [[ The Citadel Journal 19]], pg. 17
 
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===Uncited===
 
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*[[Codex: Eldar (3rd Edition)]]
 
  
 
{{EldarVehicles}}
 
{{EldarVehicles}}

Revision as of 08:23, 1 November 2025

Wraithlord

Wraithlords, known previously as Eldar Dreadnoughts,[3] and mythically as Iron Knights and Wraith-Giants, and are gigantic Wraith Constructs made of Wraithbone and inhabited by the souls of dead Eldar heroes through Soul Stones.[3] Towering far above their still-living brethren, the Wraithlord is a force to be reckoned with. Only the most capable warriors of the Craftworlds are encased inside them, although the exact reason why is unclear. They can be armed with a myriad of weapons, including melee, short-ranged, and long-ranged, with the ability to smash most enemies in combat.

Overview

The creation of a Wraithlord involves empowering an Eldar Spirit Stone with the proper soul of an Eldar, plucked from the Infinity Circuit. The soul is then placed into the forehead of a Wraithlord chassis.[2] Should the Wraithlord fall in battle, the Spirit Stone will be recovered and either be placed onto another Wraith construct, or be returned to the Infinity Circuit. Despite the fact that the Wraithlord exists in the real world, the spirit which controls it is never able to be as alert as those still alive, inhabiting a dimension both in the 'real' world and the warp at the same time. This phenomenon is known as 'Wraithsight', and can affect the Wraithlord in battle by making them slower to act and occasionally stopping them from acting at all.[1a] As a result, a Spiritseer must remain in close proximity to Wraith constructs in order to guide their actions.[1b]

Standard Wraithlord equipment include two Power fists, with flamers or Shuriken Cannons attached to the side. In addition, some Wraithlords are equipped with heavy armaments such as Scatter Lasers, missile launchers, Bright Lances, and starcannons. Weaponry is often chosen to complement the soul of the spirit controlling the Wraithlord, as their predisposition towards different types of combat follows them beyond death - those who favoured close combat will still attempt to tear their enemies limb from limb or cleave foes with a massive Ghostglaive.[7]

Variants

Famous Wraithlords

Images

  • An Eldar Wraithlord

Miniatures

  • Eldar Dreadnoughts (1st edition - 1988)[5]

  • 2nd Edition - weapons repackage and arms/hands resculpt

  • Wraithlord (4th edition)[6]

See Also

Development History

TriviaScrollTrans.png

The following information is not to be regarded as officially sanctioned and/ or is not written from an in-universe point of view. A detailed explanation of the term "Trivia" as used in the Lexicanum can be found here.

Rogue Trader

Eldar Dreadnoughts painted in colorways of the Eldar Corsairs, including a pilot (second figure).[9]

First appearing as the Eldar Dreadnought in White Dwarf 100 (UK) in May of 1988, alongside Imperial and Ork Dreadnoughts, the Eldar Dreadnought was a tall and elegant machine crafted by its pilot in a giant automated factory within a Craft-Worlds.[9] It was controlled either through manual controls and screens inside its bulbous cockpit or through a "mind-impulse link" which would use the Eldar's own brain to run mental targeting programs and puppet the Dreadnought as if it were their own body, and powered by a Crystal Battery.[9] The Dreadnought was described with three assembly patterns:

The Spirit-Warrior fights beside two Ghost-Warriors[10]

One month later in June of 1988 White Dwarf 101 (UK) would introduce a new concept: the Infinity Circuit, by which the memory and personality patterns of a dead Eldar could transfered into a machine body via a Soul-Graft, as well as a new unit: the Spirit Warrior simmilar in every way to the Dreadnought with the notable exception that this Infinity Circuit would replace the living pilot.[10] This new Spirit-Warrior would retain the psychic mastery of the soul that embodied it, running on circuits of Memory, Emotion, Logic, and Perception.[10] The Spirit Warrior could be built with the same patterns of the Dreadnought, War-Demon, War-Cry, and Banshee with an additional pattern:

2nd Edition and Beyond

Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition) in 1994 would formally combine the two concepts, describing an Eldar Dreadnought which was imbued with the intelect of the long-dead eldar through a Spirit Stone,[3] as well as introducing the concept of the smaller Wraith Constructs in the Wraithguard.[3] Codex: Eldar (3rd Edition) in 1999 would introduce a new name for the model, differentiating it from the Imperial and Ork Dreadnoughts and finally giving it a name befiting it's stature: the Wraithlord.[11]

Sources

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Craftworld Eldar Vehicles
Light Vehicles Jetbike (Raptor Jetbike) • Hornet • Vyper
Walkers War Walker • Wasp Assault Walker • Scout Walker
Wraith Constructs Wraithblade • Wraithguard • Wraithknight • Wraithlord • Wraithseer
Artillery Anti-Aircraft Platform • Support Weapon Batteries (D-Cannon • Vibro Cannon • Shadow Weaver)
Grav-Tanks Falcon • Fire Prism • Firestorm • Night Spinner • Warp Hunter • Wave Serpent
Super-Heavy Grav-Tanks Cobra • Lynx • Scorpion • Storm Serpent • Void Spinner
Super-Heavy Walkers Eldar Knight • Eldar Titan (Revenant • Phantom • Warlock)
Aircraft Hemlock • Nightwing • Nightshade (Crimson Hunter) • Phoenix • Vampire Raider • Vampire Hunter • Dawnsail •
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