Avatar
Avatars are incarnations of the Eldar War God, Kaela Mensha Khaine. During the Fall of the Eldar, Khaine fought with Slaanesh shortly after his birth, following the destruction of the Eldar gods. During the battle, Khaine's essence was dismantled and scattered across the many galaxies, landing in the hearts of the remaining Eldar Craftworlds. Wherever his essence landed, a wraith artefact was created, allowing future Eldar to be able to summon him when needed.1
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The Young King
Once a year, one of the Exarchs of a Craftworld is chosen, by its Farseers, to hold the title of Young King.2 When a Craftworld prepares for a major war, its Exarchs begin to feel the Avatar's call. The Exarchs go to the door leading into the Avatar's chamber. There they begin the ancient ritual to rouse the Avatar, where they anoint the Young King and sing battle hymns. Then the chamber's door opens, and the Young King enters. The Exarchs continue the ritual at the entrance. It may take hours or days, but finally a terrible scream echoes from the chamber and the Avatar rises.3 There is no sign of the Young King - it is unknown if whether the Young King is united with Khaine or is destroyed.3 It's more probable that he is utterly immolated.
On the Battlefield
On the battlefield, the Avatar towers above the Eldar warriors, his presence filling them with memories of their glorious past and with savage bloodlust, thus making them more courageous fighters.1 He is utterly fearless, and often spearheads the Eldar attack, slaying his foes with The Wailing Doom, a legendary weapon that can take the form of a sword, axe or a spear. The weapon can even smite his foes at a distance, immolating them with a nimbus of burning psychic energy.3
An Avatar is a very tough being of super-heated iron, with a molten lava core. Heat-based weapons are rendered ineffective against him, due to the nature of his body.3 Even if destroyed, his essence reforms in the Craftworld's central chamber, so that he may return to continue the eternal struggle against those who oppose the Eldar.1
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Sources
- 1:Codex: Eldar (3rd Edition) p.8
- 2:Codex: Craftworld Eldar (3rd Edition) p.21
- 3:Codex: Eldar (4th Edition) p.24
- 4:Dawn of War
| Characters | Avatar • Autarchs • Farseers • Warlocks • Exarchs |
|---|---|
| Troops | Guardians • Guardian Jetbike Squadrons • Dire Avengers • Fire Dragons • Howling Banshees Striking Scorpion • Swooping Hawks • Dark Reapers • Warp Spiders • Shining Spears • Rangers • Wraithguard • Harlequins |
