Necrarch Brotherhood
The Necrarchs are a cabal of vampires focused primarily on the mastery of Necromancy with little interest in the world of mortals. [1]
Necrarchs see the world as a blurry image but the dead and energies of Shyish are crystal clear. [1][4]
Contents
History
The vampire scholar W'soran was the first of the Necrarchs. Initially during his time in Lahmia, and later in his time in Nagashizzar and finally in Mourkain, W'soran would gather mystically gifted proteges and teach them the secrets of necromancy. He used these acolytes as servants and as research material if they displeased him. After W'soran's eventual destruction these powerful undead sorcerers spread across the world.
Society
Most Necrarchs dwell away from mortal society, often in tall towers allowing them easier access to the Wind of Azyr which they use for divination. They are also much less likely to embark on empire building and jealously hoard their own knowledge and power, even keeping it from their own children in darkness. [2]
Though rare, Necrarchs are much sought after by young necromancers looking for a tutor, but they often choose the mad, diseased and mutated to become servants, acolytes and eventually full vampires. [4]
They are served by mutants and other outcasts from society that serve as potential apprentices, lab assistants, expermintal subjects and food sources. Most Necrarchs only rarely feel the need to drink blood and often seek to rid themselves of this link to the living with often disasterous results. [2]
It is traditional for a Necrarch to take a Nehekharan name when they become a vampire - a custom they share with Necromancers who serve Nagash directly. [2]
For some reason, Necrarchs are unable to enter a building inhabited by the living unless they are invited. [2]
Appearance
Invariably, Necrarchs are stinking, rotting creatures as horrific to look upon as the Lahmians are beautiful. Necrarch vampires are hideous in appearance as their constant exposure to Death Magics twists and corrupts them. Interestingly though there is an advantage to this; Necrarch vampires are much less afflicted by the blood lust of other vampires, with some able to forgo blood entirely, using the dark magic to sustain themselves. [4]
Locations
Most Necrarchs live in high towers where they study the wind of death and the heavens, their chambers and laboratories full of strange experiments and potions they use to preserve their bodies and enhance their minds. [1]
Magic
As Alchemists and sorcerers few can match their knowledge and power, especially their vampire kin. They are notorious for casting great spells of death uding Geheimnisnacht to kill everythig living within reach of their power. [4]
Necrarch Armies
They are often centered around powerful necromantic constructs such as Zombie Dragons and Winged Nightmares. [3]
- Lord: Vampire Lord, Vampire Count[3]
- Heroes: Necromancers, Vampire Thrall, Wight Lords, Wraith all of whom may ride Winged Nightmares. [3]
- Core: Skeletons, Zombies. [3]
- Special: Black Knights, Dire Wolves, Fell Bats, Grave Guard, Spirit Host[3]
- Rare: Banshees, Black Coach, Zombie Dragons. [3]
Notables
- W'soran
- Mundvard of the Von Carsteins; the Master of Shadows of Marienburg.
- Radu the Forsaken
Quotes
| Wisdom is not without price. Ours is the greatest wisdom and thus we pay the greatest price. |
Gallery
Necrarch
Necrarch Supreme Wizard
Necrarch
Necrarch
Miniatures
Notes
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In previous versions of the game the 'Necrarch' were a bloodline, which is to say all Necrarchs were a descendant of W'soran. In the modern version it seems any vampire with a specific interest and obsession with necromancy is a Necrarch.
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (5th Edition): Necrarch, pg. 15
- 2: Night's Dark Masters: Chapter V: The Bloodlines, pg. 59-65
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (6th Edition): Legions of the Dead, pg. 78
- 4: White Dwarf 235 (UK), Masters of Alchemy, pg. 22-23
- Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (8th Edition), Needs Citation
- Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (7th Edition), Needs Citation
