Dire Avenger

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Rune Symbol Basic Data
Direavengerrune.jpg Name Dire Avengers
Phoenix Lord Asurmen
Phoenix Lord Title "The Hand of Asuryan"
Main colours Dark Blue, White, Black
Combat Speciality General Combat

Dire Avengers, or Fian Dialcaman,[19] are one of the forms of Eldar Aspect Warrior. The Dire Avengers are Khaine's aspect of the noble and merciless warrior, who punishes the unworthy[10] and shows true devotion to his own people.[12] They are the most tactically flexible and numerous of all the Aspect Warriors.[1a][2a]

Overview

Dire Avengers fight Imperial Guard[17]

The Dire Avengers trace their lineage back to Asurmen, the first of the Phoenix Lords and founder of the Aspect Shrines. It is because of Asurmen that the Dire Avengers are the most common of the Aspect Warriors, as he founded more Shrines on more Craftworlds than any other Phoenix Lord.[1d] The Dire Avengers' signature weapon is the Avenger Shuriken Catapult, a modified version of the typical Shuriken Catapult with an extended barrel, power feed and inbuilt rangefinder. To wield a shuriken is considered an art form by Dire Avengers, who use the deadly weapons in battle to create impenetrable storms of monomolecular blades which slice their enemies to ribbons. Dire Avengers have an uncanny ability to read the ebb and flow of battle the same way a sailor might read the sea, always finding the right tactic to react to the battlefield in the moment.[16] Even when a Dire Avenger has removed their armour and left their shrine, they will keep these razor-sharp discs hidden under their clothing, never truly unarmed.[2a] Dire Avengers are the most encountered variety of Aspect Warrior as they are the most adaptable troop and entrusted with the widest variety of dangerous missions.[16]

Wargear

Dire Avenger wargear.[3]

Like other Aspect Warriors, Dire Avengers wear Aspect Armour, psychically activated bodysuits which stiffen on impact to absorb a blow while moulding to fit the warrior's body and allow free range of movement. Dire Avenger armour is predominately coloured blue, with a distinctive high crested helm which makes them taller without adding bulk.[1b][5] A tabard is also a common addition, with runic inscriptions identifying the name of the warrior's Shrine and Craftworld of origin, and both it and the helm are always painted in a contrasting white colour. The long top crest is often made of exotic animal hair dyed to match the colour scheme of their Craftworld as well. In addition, the small blisters and domes dotting the armour's surface are small compartments containing the suit's technical systems, and over each Dire Avenger's shoulder is an advanced targeter which connects to the Avenger Catapult through the handle. This pan-spectral rangefinder system operates independently of the Dire Avenger and is capable of tracking multiple targets simultaneously, differentiating between friend and foe, and feeding this information directly to the warrior's helm display.[4]

Dire Avenger.[5]

In battle, Dire Avengers operate in squads of five to ten warriors which sometimes include an Exarch and sometimes ride within a Wave Serpent transport.[2b] These patient, methodical warriors are equally well suited for both offensive and defensive operations. Their training gives them the uncanny ability to read the ebb and flow of battle, knowing when to press the attack or feign retreat and fall back, luring their foes into a carefully prepared ambush.[2a][5] Dire Avengers are also trained in hand-to-hand techniques, although, with the exception of their Exarchs, this is not the main focus of their training. When forced to conduct close combat Dire Avengers carry deadly ceremonial knives as a weapon of last resort. These blades are more traditionally used in ceremonies conducted prior to and after battle.[4] Because of their adaptability Dire Avengers are also the most common Aspect Warriors used to conduct special missions outside of normal combat. These can range from recovering an ancient artifact to acting as bodyguards for a Farseer conducting business with the Inquisition.[5]

Dire Avenger Exarch

Dire Avenger Exarch[12]

An Exarch is the leader of an Aspect Shrine. He is one that has traveled so far down the Path of the Warrior that he can no longer turn from that path to follow another path. They wear more elaborate and ancient versions of Aspect Armour which contain the souls of past Exarchs, giving the wearer their knowledge and guidance as well as a pool of raw psychic energy. As befitting their Shrine the Dire Avenger Exarchs are tactically flexible warriors able to conduct their squad in multiple roles. Rather than just one Avenger Catapult, some Exarchs will carry two of these weapons into battle, wielding one in each hand with skillful deadliness. Others will instead focus on their hand-to-hand combat techniques, and carry a combination of either Shuriken Pistol and Diresword or Power Glaive Power Weapon and Shimmershield.[2b] Their secret knowledge and supernatural abilities also allow Exarchs and the squads they lead to go beyond normal Aspect training. Under the guidance of their Exarch a Dire Avenger squad can empty their weapons with rapid fire to create a hurricane of deadly blades without loss of accuracy, though their depleted ammunition cores will require reloading. The Exarch can also lead the squad through a serious of defensive moves designed to deny attacks of opportunity from opponents engaging them in close combat.[2a]

Known Dire Avenger Shrines

Dire Avengers Shrine Statue[11]

Notable Dire Avengers

Images

Miniatures

  • Exarch (2006)

  • Exarch(2000)

  • Exarch (1991)

  • Trooper (2006)

  • Trooper (2000)

  • Trooper (1991)

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.

Avenging Warriors (1988)[19]

Two years prior to the publication that would name both Dire Avengers and Aspect Warriors, 1990's White Dwarf 127 (UK),[12] the rudimentary "Avenging Warriors" appeared in the Codex Titanicus (1st Edition) (1989) expansion to Epic Adeptus Titanicus as a main-line infantry which wore the mask of "The Avenger" which allowed them to share "The Avenger's Song" which unified the individual's spirit with their squadron and across their attack force to battle as one. The Avenging Warriors would conceptually inspire both the Dire Avengers and Guardians.[19]

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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