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Eldar Portal

Eldar Autarch

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.^1-p29

Overview

They are held with high esteem by both Seers and warriors alike with each Autarch having mastered many paths across their centuries lifespan. This includes one or more facets of the Warrior paths and at some point in their lives, they begin to show a passion for intracacies 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 lay holding a wider vision whilst directing a warhost in achieving the most lethal as well as efficient manner in achieving victory. Thus, they walk the Path of Command which 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.^1-p29

The insight of an Autarch provides them unparalleled strategic capability as they know of each speciality of the Eldar way of war to such an extent that an Exarch cannot match them. This is because an Exarch is obsessed with only facet of 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 warhost cane turn out to be a well-honed machine where each component works in perfect synchornisity 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 warmachines of their foes with contemptious 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 battlefield with a well-placed strike.^1-p29

This made them different from Seers who acted as a Craftworld's guides and counsellors as an Autarch is look to during the time when the Eldar sought powerful leaders as well as masters. They are sought when the Seers deem the Eldar's fate being led to war and an Autarch are called upon due to their wartime leadership. Their skill, cunning and experience is unrivalled and they lead their fellows into battle where they impart on them every lesson of war. They are great leaders on the field of battle which is the only place where they lead the eldar as they have nothing but fire coursing through their veins. This means that an Autarch do not permanently maintain their rank with each being an Exarch who return to their shrine in order to rule them as only an Exarch can. Autarch's only ever assume power when they believe their path calls to them towards war and this fate. It is only through sheer exertion of their will do they assume the Autarchy and gather warriros 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.^3-p16

Known Autarchs

• Yriel^1-p52
• Arhathain⁵
• Elarique Swiftblade^4-p27
• Anthrillien Morningchild - Autarch of Yme-Loc^1-p29
• Kayleth²
• Mauryon^3-p22
• Eliac Zephyrblade⁶

Background

Autarch are featured as a playable hero in Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution campaign.

They are also summon-able secondary commanders in the game's multiplayer and skirmish modes -- initially armed with Swooping Hawk wings, a shuriken pistol and power sword, which can be replaced for an Executioner or a Fusion Gun.

Images

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  A Saim-Hann Autarch Miniature with Power Weapon

• 

  An Alaitoc Autarch Miniature with a Banshee Mask & Jump pack wings

• 

  A Biel-Tan Autarch Miniature with a Fusion Gun, Jump Generator & Mandiblasters ⁷

• 

  A Saim-Hann Autarch mounted on an Eldar Jetbike ⁸

Sources

• ¹: Codex: Eldar (4th Edition), pg. 29, 52
• ²: Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of War II - Retribution.
• ³: Epic Swordwind Eldar, pg. 16, 22
• ⁴: The Fall of Medusa V, pg. 27
• ⁵: Path of the Warrior (Novel) pg. 240
• ⁶: Planetstrike pg. 60-61
• ⁷: Fusion Gun Autarch
• ⁸: Jetbike Autarch