Raider (Dark Eldar)
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This article is about the Dark Eldar vehicle; for the Red Corsairs infantry, see Raider (Red Corsairs). |
Raiders are the main transports of the Dark Eldar. Fast but very lightly armoured, they are highly vulnerable to enemy infantry, even those who are not primarily tank hunters.
Contents
Overview
They use advanced anti-grav technology powered by compact turbo engines[1] to move swiftly across the battlefield, commonly used to rush the enemy, or to capture territory and are relatively versatile. They are also equipped with aethersails to harness the energies flowing from the Webway Portal from which they descend.[1] Raiders epitomize the Dark Eldar method of warfare, which emphasizes speed and maneuverability over toughness. Resembling the pleasure boats of the ancient Eldar Empire, they at first may appear to be more of a racing vehicle than troop transport. The curved hull of each Raider is sheltered by sweeping fairings, and its metal deck is pierced through with tessellating designs to lessen the craft's weight. True enough, when at full speed they are capable of keeping pace with the skimmers of the Craftworld Eldar.[1][2]
Raiders are commonly seen carrying a group of around ten warriors into battle, which deploy rapidly to provide numbers in an assault. The bulwarks of a Raider offer just enough cover to protect those upon it from incoming fire without blocking line of sight to their prey. As such, fully loaded Raiders become terrifying mobile bases of fire, ferrying those within to where the fighting is thickest.[2] Raiders are usually highly customized depending on which Kabal, Wych Cult, or Haemonculus Coven they belong to, often adorned with insignia and the body parts of conquered victims.[1] However they all have some features in common, such as a repulsor keelblade manned by a talented steersman as well as its aethersails.[2]
Usually armed with a Dark Lance or Disintegrator Cannon, Raiders may also be equipped with special upgrades, like the Horrorfex, Night Shield, Scaling Nets, Bladevanes, Slave Snares, Screaming Jets, Scythes, Splinter Racks, Shock Prow, Torment Grenade Launcher, Torture Amp and Trophy Racks.[1] Sickle-blade electroshock rams and gun racks are also frequently mounted upon Raiders.[2]
Once enemy forces have been vanquished, it is common for the last survivors to be chained or impaled to the Raider. Those Dark Eldar who have died in the raid are also carried back to Commorragh in a bloody heap, showing the lack of dignity and respect the Dark Eldar treat even their own kin.[1]
Images
Dark Eldar Raider (3rd Edition)
Raider (5th Edition)
See also
Sources
- 1: Codex: Dark Eldar (5th Edition), pg. 44
- 2: Codex: Drukhari (8th Edition), pg. 56
Uncited
| Dark Eldar Forces | |
|---|---|
| Command | Archon • Haemonculus • Haemonculus Ancient • Succubus • Beastmaster • Dracon • Sybarite |
| Elites & Specialists | Grotesques • Incubi • Kabalite Trueborn • Mandrakes • Crimson Duelist • Disciple of Yaelindra • Elixicant • Flayer • Skysplinter Assassin |
| Troops | Kabalite Warriors • Kabalite Gunner (Heavy Gunner) • Kabalite Agents • Hekatarii • Wracks • Hellions • Scourge • Vampire • Razorwing • Clawed Fiend • Khymera • |
| Vehicles | Reaver Jetbike • Venom • Cronos Parasite Engine • Talos Pain Engine • Raider • Ravager • Reaper • Tantalus • Rampage • Barge of Torturous Delights |
| Aircraft | Razorwing Jetfighter • Raven Fighter • Wraith Raider • Voidraven Bomber • Void Dragon Phoenix |
| Special Characters | Asdrubael Vect • Drazhar, Master of Blades • Kheradruakh, the Decapitator • Lelith Hesperax • Lady Malys • Baron Sathonyx • Urien Rakarth • Duke Sliscus |
