C'Tan, Necrons and the rising Tau Empire
C'Tan, Necrons and the rising Tau Empire
The Necrons are an ancient and mysterious xenos species of humanoid, robotic
skeletal warriors that have been dormant in their stasis-tombs for over 60 million Terran years. Governed by
the soulless creations and captives of the ancient C'tan, the Star Gods of Aeldari myth, the Necrons have begun
to awaken with the intent of reclaiming their dominance over the galaxy. Their awakening coincides with the
opportune moment for conquest and the restoration of the Necron Empire, following the disappearance of the Old
Ones more than 60 million standard years ago. These completely robotic humanoid entities possess unparalleled
technological prowess, but their origins trace back to organic forms. Driven by vengeance against the ancient
xenos beings known as the Old Ones, and manipulated by the godlike intelligences called the C'tan, the Necrons
shed their original organic bodies, losing compassion and empathy in the process. They have transformed into
ruthless, undying killing machines, determined to exert their mastery over the galaxy once more.
Awakening from their Tomb Worlds after millions of years of dormancy, the Necrons seek to restore
their ancient ruling dynasties to glory and bring the galaxy under their rule. This fundamental command is encoded
into their minds, and it guides their every action. However, the Necrons awaken to a galaxy vastly changed from
the one they knew. Tomb Worlds have been destroyed, damaged, or inhabited by degenerate alien species. Despite
these challenges, the undying Necron legions are rising, and their goal is to reclaim their dominion. The Necrons,
from the lowest warriors to the most regal lords, share the ultimate goal of restoring their ancient dynasties and
asserting their dominance over the galaxy. As they emerge, their mechanical bodies, forged from living metal,
prove almost impervious to destruction. Their regenerative capabilities allow them to heal swiftly, reattaching
severed limbs, repairing armor, and rebuilding shattered mechanical organs. In battle, the Necrons exhibit a remarkable
ability to "phase out" and retreat to stasis-crypts if overwhelmed. Victory over the Necrons is tenuous, and
defeats are viewed as minor inconveniences on the path to future triumphs. Immortality has endowed the Necrons
with patience, and their will is as unbending as adamantium. The galaxy's only hope against their advance lies
in preventing their full awakening, unification of scattered Tomb Worlds, and the chance of survival for other
intelligent species. Otherwise, the Necrons, undying, cruel, and utterly implacable, may rule supreme for all eternity.
The C'tan, also known as Star Gods, are considered the oldest intelligent beings in the
Milky Way Galaxy. According to legend, they were created at the very inception of the universe as etheric entities
spawned from swirling gases and immense energy. In their natural form, C'tan are vast beings of pure energy that
spread across the surface of stars, absorbing solar energy for sustenance. They developed diaphanous wings made from
electromagnetic force lines to travel between stars once their host star had died. The C'tan possess the ability to
interact with the physical world, thanks to Necrontyr technology that transferred their consciousness into robotic
bodies resembling the ancient deities of Necrontyr culture, composed of living metal known as necrodermis.
Utilizing the hatred of the Necrontyr towards the Old Ones, the C'tan manipulated the Necrons to gather the more
appetizing energy emitted by living beings. Despite their aversion to the Warp and psychic energies, the C'tan directed
the construction of blackstone pylons on planets like Cadia, aiming to sever the connection between the Warp and
the material universe. This plan would annihilate living creatures with souls, leaving the rest of the galaxy as
sustenance for the C'tan.
The C'tan played a significant role in the biotransference process for the Necrontyr, transferring
their consciousness into undying mechanical bodies, turning them into soulless Necrons. While this process granted
immortality, the Necrons struggled to find pleasure in anything. Following the War in Heaven against the Old Ones,
the Necrons, led by Silent King Szarekh, rebelled against the C'tan. Surviving C'tan were shattered into fragments
called C'tan Shards, more easily contained and imprisoned within Tesseract Labyrinths, arcane Necron devices.
As the Necrons began to awaken in the 41st Millennium, C'tan Shards were deployed as powerful weapons on the battlefield.
However, the risk remains that imprisoned C'tan may escape, seeking vengeance on their captors and innocent beings alike.
The Necrontyr, the organic humanoid precursors of the Necrons, sought technological advancements to overcome their short
lifespans. Their obsessive pursuit of scientific research led to Necron technology surpassing that of contemporary
starfaring species in the galaxy. This technological prowess, including the wonders found on the Asuryani craftworlds,
may appear impossible or supernatural to younger and less advanced races. Necron weaponry typically teleports away or
self-destructs along with its defeated wielder, contributing to the mysterious nature of Necron technology.
Speculation suggests that recovered Necron artifacts from the depths of Tomb Worlds might not follow this pattern.
However, venturing into Necron stasis tombs in search of such mythical treasures is considered an endeavor only for
the extremely resilient or the profoundly reckless.
The T'au Empire, stands as a rapidly expanding multispecies xenos stellar empire located within
the Imperium of Man's Ultima Segmentum, near the Eastern Fringes of the Milky Way Galaxy. Positioned within the reach
of the Astronomican, it was established by the T'au caste known as the Ethereals. The Ethereals lead the T'au Empire
in accordance with their utilitarian philosophy called the "Greater Good" or Tau'va in the T'au Lexicon. The empire
incorporates a growing number of intelligent alien races, united under the banner of the Greater Good. The T'au Empire has
faced challenges, enduring raids from the Orks and finding itself in the path of several Tyranid splinter fleets of
Hive Fleet Kraken. The T'au, young, humanoid, and technologically advanced, hail from the Eastern Fringes of the Milky Way
Galaxy. Striving to expand their small yet swiftly growing interstellar empire, they aim to extend the concept of the
Greater Good to all intelligent species in the galaxy.
The T'au present themselves as a peaceful species, preferring voluntary cooperation over conflict.
However, if met with refusal, they may resort to conquering planets and adding them to their stellar empire for the
Greater Good. Their society is organized into castes, each managing specific aspects of their civilization.
The central motivating ideal for the T'au is the concept that everyone in their empire, regardless of species or origin,
should work for the collective betterment of all—a philosophy embodied in the Greater Good. The T'au, while dominant,
share their empire with other intelligent species, such as the Kroot of Pech, the insectoid Vespids of Vespid, the
nomadic psykers of the Nicassar, and more. Human septs have also emerged, consisting of conquered Imperial Humans or
those who joined the T'au Empire voluntarily. Referred to as Gue'vesa in the T'au Lexicon, these individuals are
considered traitors and heretics within the Imperium. Relatively young as a species, the T'au have rapidly evolved
over the past few standard millennia, achieving remarkable technological advancements and posing a genuine threat to
Imperial dominance in their galactic region.
The T'au, an intelligent humanoid alien race, were first encountered by the Imperium in the late
35th Millennium. At that time, the T'au were in a hunter-gatherer stage of development, and their homeworld of T'au
was targeted for cleansing to make it available for Human settlement. However, a combination of intense Warp Storms
in the Eastern Fringe and the turmoil of the Age of Apostasy within the Imperium during the 36th Millennium prevented
the cleansing. Over the next six Terran millennia of isolation, the T'au evolved, united, and achieved an exceptionally
advanced level of technology and interstellar civilization. During this period, the T'au also incorporated various
intelligent alien species into their burgeoning T'au Empire, with the most notable additions being the Kroot and
the Vespid. The T'au Empire, having developed an intricate and advanced arsenal, deploys a diverse range of weaponry
wielded by the Fire Caste, who are the military arm of the T'au society. The incorporation of auxiliary species into
their forces showcases the T'au Empire's inclusive approach, uniting different intelligent species under the banner of
the Greater Good. The T'au's technological prowess is reflected not only in their weaponry but also in the seamless
integration of various alien races within their expansive empire. A T'au Battlesuit is an advanced, powered combat
exoskeleton that serves as a crucial component of the T'au Fire Caste's military forces. These sophisticated machines
are a symbol of reputation and honor within the Fire Caste, representing the apex of the T'au Empire's military technology.
Only the most distinguished heroes of the Fire Caste have the privilege of donning these mighty armored suits, and
they stand as a source of pride and a prominent symbol of the T'au Empire.
T'au Battlesuits integrate various T'au weapons systems and armor, showcasing versatility and resilience
on the battlefield. These machines can unleash devastating firepower to eliminate both infantry and armored vehicles
while exhibiting the durability and speed to withstand heavy enemy fire. Despite the T'au relying on skimmer-tanks and
airborne gunships for long-range support, the Battlesuits of the Fire Caste are considered the most efficient killing machines.
Typically requiring only one pilot, a battlesuit often possesses firepower equivalent to a tank or aircraft.
Deploying a cadre of heavy battlesuits can significantly alter the outcome of a war. These Battlesuits are exclusively
worn by veteran T'au Fire Warriors and come in various sizes, shapes, and tactical roles. Notable models include the
XV88 Broadside Battlesuit for heavy fire support, the XV25 Stealthsuit for infiltration and sabotage, and the versatile
XV8 Crisis Battlesuit, a mainstay of the Fire Caste capable of adapting to different tactical situations. All T'au Battlesuits
epitomize advanced technologies developed by the Earth Caste, featuring powerful heavy weapons, Battlesuit Support Systems,
and a range of T'au wargear for diverse combat scenarios. Pilots within these suits can endure harsh environmental conditions,
traverse the void, and overcome formidable foes. Most Battlesuits share common features such as advanced sensors, Blacksun Filters,
Multi-Tracker target acquisition systems, recoil absorbers, internal environmental seals, and T'au Jetpacks. Additionally,
they are constructed from a lightweight and robust nano-crystalline alloy called fio'tak, offering protection, flexibility,
and resistance to impact and corrosion.
Heavier Battlesuits incorporate additional nano-layers for enhanced armor thickness and superior protection.
Piloted as much as they are worn, T'au Battlesuits strike a balance between offensive capability, armored protection, speed,
agility, and utility. As a result, only the most experienced Fire Warriors attain the esteemed rank of shas'ui, the first
honored grade within the Fire Caste, making them worthy to pilot these extraordinary Battlesuits.