The Necrons are one of the most ancient and enigmatic factions in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. They are a race of immortal, soulless warriors made of living metal, who have recently awakened from a millennia-long slumber to reclaim their lost empire.
Origins and History
The Necrons originated as the Necrontyr, a race plagued by short lifespans and constant suffering under their harsh sun. Desperate for immortality, they made a pact with the C’tan, god-like star entities. The C’tan offered them immortality by transferring their consciousness into immortal, metallic bodies. However, this “gift” turned them into soulless constructs, forever bound to serve their new masters.
The War in Heaven
The Necrons, under the leadership of the Silent King, Szarekh, waged a devastating war against the Old Ones, the galaxy’s first sentient race, known for their powerful psychic abilities and technological prowess. This conflict, known as the War in Heaven, reshaped the galaxy. Ultimately, the Necrons, along with the C’tan, were victorious, but at great cost. To recover from their losses and the weariness of endless war, they entered a long period of stasis, hidden in tomb worlds scattered across the galaxy.
Awakening
As the galaxy enters the 41st Millennium, the Necrons are awakening from their stasis, driven by ancient protocols and the will of their leaders. Their tomb worlds are reactivating, and they are reclaiming their lost territories, fighting any who stand in their way, including the Imperium of Man, the Eldar, and other factions.
Society and Hierarchy
Necron society is highly hierarchical and militaristic, with various ranks and roles:
Overlords: High-ranking rulers who command entire dynasties and oversee large-scale operations.
Lords: Nobles who manage specific territories or military campaigns.
Crypteks: Necron scientists and engineers who wield advanced technological knowledge and are responsible for creating and maintaining Necron technology.
Warriors and Immortals: The rank-and-file soldiers of the Necron legions, equipped with powerful gauss weapons that disintegrate matter at a molecular level.
Technology and Warfare
Necron technology is incredibly advanced and often seems like magic to other races. Key elements include:
Gauss Weapons: These weapons strip atoms from their targets, reducing them to nothing.
Living Metal: Necron bodies are made of a self-repairing material that heals damage almost instantly.
Monoliths: Massive, floating pyramidal structures that serve as mobile fortresses and teleportation hubs.
Canoptek Constructs: Robotic creatures used for various tasks, from maintenance to battlefield support.
The C’tan
The C’tan, once worshipped as gods by the Necrontyr, were betrayed and shattered into shards by the Necrons after the War in Heaven. These shards are now used as powerful weapons, bound into physical forms and deployed on the battlefield to unleash their destructive energies.
Iconography and Aesthetics
Necrons have a distinctive visual style, reminiscent of ancient Egyptian motifs combined with futuristic, skeletal designs. Their structures and vehicles often feature hieroglyph-like symbols, green energy glows, and an overall eerie, otherworldly aesthetic.
Notable Necrons
The Silent King (Szarekh): The last ruler of the Necrontyr and the mastermind behind their transformation into Necrons. He went into self-imposed exile but has now returned to lead his people once again.
Imotekh the Stormlord: A prominent Necron Overlord known for his tactical genius and ruthless efficiency in battle.
Orikan the Diviner: A powerful Cryptek with the ability to foresee future events and manipulate time.
Role in the Warhammer 40,000 Universe
The Necrons represent the ancient, unstoppable force of technological dominance and relentless conquest. They are a dire threat to all other races, driven by a desire to reclaim their former glory and to extinguish the younger, “lesser” races of the galaxy. Their return has significantly shifted the balance of power in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, adding to the already tumultuous and war-torn galaxy.