Bound to Metal, a longing for Flesh: An Introduction to the Necrons in Warhammer 40,000 - a Lore Series
(Image Credit : https://40k.gallery/flayed-one-2/)
Continuing Our Exploration of Necron Lore
In our previous post, we introduced the hierarchical structure of the Necron Empire and its intricate political and military organization. (@xenowolfza/the-infinite-empire-an-introduction) Today, we delve deeper into the enigmatic and awe-inspiring aspects of Necron history and mythology.♾️
The C’tan: The Star Gods
The C’tan, or Star Gods, are among the most mysterious and powerful entities in Warhammer 40,000 lore. Once celestial beings of immense energy, the C’tan were lured by the Necrontyr with promises of worship and sustenance. These entities fed on the life force of stars, growing ever more powerful. In their alliance with the Necrontyr, the C’tan facilitated the transformation of the Necrontyr into the immortal Necrons through the process of biotransference. However, this alliance came at a terrible cost—the Necrons were enslaved by their creators, becoming soulless servants of the Star Gods.
(Image Credit : https://40k.gallery/magladroth/ - artist/mohamed-saad)
In a dramatic turn, the Necrons eventually rebelled against their C’tan masters, shattering their godlike forms into shards. These fragments are now enslaved and used as devastating weapons of war by the Necrons. The relationship between the Necrons and the C’tan remains one of vengeance, utility, and grim necessity.(I will do a deep dive into the C’tan later)* 🤓
The Wars of Secession
The Wars of Secession were internecine conflicts that erupted after the Necrons turned against the C’tan. With the Star Gods defeated, the Necrons sought to establish control over their empire. However, the absence of a unifying authority, combined with ancient rivalries and differing philosophies among Dynasties, led to bitter civil wars.
These wars not only fragmented the Necron Empire but also set the stage for the complex web of alliances and animosities that persist to this day. The Wars of Secession are a testament to the enduring ambition and pride of the Necron nobility, even as they fight for a unified purpose.🌌
The War in Heaven
The War in Heaven is one of the most ancient and pivotal conflicts in the history of the galaxy. This apocalyptic war was fought between the Old Ones—an ancient and technologically advanced race—and the Necrontyr, later transformed into the Necrons. ( I will be doing a full overview and deep dive into the Old ones later)*The C’tan played a central role in this war, providing the Necrons with unimaginable power.
*Ensalved C'tan
(Image Credit : https://warhammer40k.fandom.com)
The War in Heaven reshaped the galaxy, bringing about the end of the Old Ones and the rise of the Necrons as supreme beings. However, the victory was hollow, as the Necrons were left without purpose and entered their Great Sleep, hoping to rise again when the time was right to reclaim their empire.🤖
The Silent King and His Guardians
The Silent King, Szarekh, is one of the most enigmatic figures in Necron history. As the ruler of the Triarch, Szarekh led his people through the biotransference process and the rebellion against the C’tan. However, wracked with guilt and despair over the cost of these actions, Szarekh abdicated his throne and exiled himself into the void beyond the galaxy.
(Image Credit : https://warhammer40k.fandom.com)
The Silent King’s return in the 41st Millennium has reignited hope among some Dynasties and fear among others. His guardians, the Triarch Praetorians, remain fiercely loyal to his will and enforce his decrees across the fragmented empire. Szarekh’s ultimate goals remain shrouded in mystery, but his influence over the Necrons cannot be overstated.
Who Are the Flayed Ones?
The Flayed Ones are a horrifying aberration within the Necron ranks. These twisted beings are afflicted by the Flayer Curse, a condition believed to be the result of an ancient C’tan’s lingering influence. The curse compels them to seek out organic flesh, which they drape over their metallic bodies in a grotesque mockery of life.
(
(Image Credit: https://warhammer40k.fandom.com/)
Shunned by the rest of Necron society, Flayed Ones operate independently, forming packs that terrorize the galaxy. Their existence is a grim reminder of the Necrons’ fractured history and the lingering scars of their past.🧟♂️
"Through technology we thought to defeat the natural order. But the onset of eternity cannot be denied forever: the universe will see us humbled for our presumption. Yet its methods of attack are limited. We long ago removed our bodies from mortality's grasp and bartered away our souls for technological baubles and the trappings of power. Our minds, then, are all that remains for us to lose, and it is here that the next stroke against us will fall. Though our individual afflictions may take different forms, sooner or later we will all be lost to madness." -Szarekh, Last of the Silent Kings
Next Time
In the next post, we will delve into:
- The Triarch Praetorians and their role in enforcing the Silent King’s will.
- The technology and weapons of the Necrons, including the mysterious Blackstone Pylons.
- The impact of the Necrons on the Imperium of Man and other factions in the galaxy.
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the secrets of the Necrons’ ancient and mysterious empire!📚📕📘👾🤓
Thanks for reading!
Until next time - Peace😀✌️!
@XenoWolfza🐺🤓
Credits to sources (info and research derived from , but written in my own understanding and words):
https://warhammer40k.fandom.com/wiki/
https://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/