Autarch

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Aeldari Autarch[23]

An Autarch is the supreme commander of an Eldar war host, having an exceptional understanding of the art of war and also the many Eldar Paths.[1a] This is an avenue of the Path of the Warrior, roughly translating to the Path of the Leader or the Path of Command.[9]

Overview

Eldar Autarch[9]

Autarchs are warriors who have become eternally bound to the Path of the Warrior, but on this long journey have managed to master several Aspects of Khaine. While most Eldar abandon their teachings and equipment at their chosen Shrine upon leaving the Path of the Warrior, an Autarch will simply move on to another and begin the process anew. Once one has learned all he can ways of the Shrine, he will engage its Exarch in a ritual known as the Rhaan Lona, or Covenant of Wargift. In this secretive rite, a selection of weapons, armour, and other wargear of the shrine are laid out before the Autarch, from which he chooses a single item to take with him. He retains this item for the rest of his life, using it for the betterment of his Craftworld.[9]

Autarchs are held with high esteem by both Seers and warriors alike with each Autarch having mastered many paths across their centuries-long lifespans. This includes one or more facets of the Warrior Paths and at some point in their lives, they begin to show a passion for the intricacies of command as well as strategy. They do not believe in victory being achieved by simple martial excellence in the heat of the battlefield but that the true path lies in holding a wider vision whilst directing a war host in achieving the most lethal as well as efficient manner. Thus, they walk the Path of Command that leads to a burning obsession where they see each mission and battle being part of a much grander battle plan. Inspiration and guidance comes to them from the mythical leaders of the ancient Houses such as Eldanesh, Ulthanash and Bierellian.[1a]

Biel-Tani Autarch fights a Carnifex.[24]

The insight of an Autarch provides them with unparalleled strategic capability as they know of each speciality of the Eldar way of war to such an extent that even an Exarch cannot match them. This is because an Exarch is obsessed with only one facet of a conflict and thus forever bound to it, which prevents them from ever hoping to achieve the heights of an Autarch. Under their guidance, an Eldar war host can turn out to be a well-honed machine where each component works in perfect synchronicity with its other parts. Though serving as generals, Autarchs are not relegated to simple command and when the bloodlust calls to them, they are quite capable of entering into the battlefield in order to spearhead assaults, duel with enemy leaders or destroy the war machines of their foes with contemptuous ease. In such times, winged Autarchs soar at the head of their forces where they swoop down into the battlefield in order to change the course of the battle with a well-placed strike.[1a]

This makes them different from Seers, who act as a Craftworld's guides and counsellors; Autarchs are looked to during the times when the Eldar seek powerful leaders as well as masters. They are sought when the Seers deem the Eldar's fate being led to war and Autarchs are called upon for to their wartime leadership. Their skill, cunning and experience are unrivalled and they lead their fellows into battle where they impart to them every lesson of war. They are great leaders on the field of battle, which is the only place where they lead the Eldar, for they are renowned for their bloodlust.[1a]

This means that Autarchs do not permanently retain their rank; when the time for war has passed, they return to their traditional rank of Exarch, and their traditional place as leaders of their Aspect Shrines. Autarchs only ever assume power when they believe their path calls them towards war. It is only through sheer exertion of their will that they assume the Autarchy and gather warriors about them to follow this path. Among most Eldar, the Autarchy is considered a horrifying and dangerous concept as any of their kind can be entirely consumed by it. Thus, at best, an Autarch is guided by the Seers and at worst, they are guided only by the Path of War.[3a]

An Autarch on the Eldar Jetbike is called an Autarch Skyrunner[12] while those with Swooping Hawk Wings or Warp Spider Jump Generators are known as Autarch Wayleapers.[17]

Wargear

Autarch Ishtá Indomi of Craftworld Ul-Khari[21]

Due to their mastery of several Aspects, Autarchs can have access to a wide variety of wargear.[12] These include:

Known Autarchs

Autarch Galánta of Craftworld Biel-Tan[20]

Images

Miniatures

Sources


Craftworld Eldar Forces
Command Autarchs • Bonesingers • Farseers • Spiritseers • Warlocks • Exarchs
Aspect Warriors
Troops Guardians (Guardian Defenders • Storm Guardians) • Windrider Squadrons • Rangers (Pathfinders • Shroud Runners) • Ghost-Warriors • Wraithguard • Wraithblades
Support Weapons Grav Platform • Support Battery • War Walker
Constructs Avatar of Khaine • Wraithknight • Wraithlord
Special Characters Amallyn Shadowguide • Eldrad Ulthran • Illic Nightspear • Iyanna Arienal • Nuadhu 'Fireheart' • Yriel
Phoenix Lords Asurmen • Baharroth • Drastanta • Fuegan • Irillyth • Jain Zar • Karandras • Lhykhis • Maugan Ra
Fortifications Webway Gate
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