Necrarch Brotherhood
The Necrarchs are a cabal of vampires focused primarily on the mastery of necromancy with little interest in the world of mortals. [1a]
Necrarchs invariable see the world as a blurry image but the dead and energies of Syish are crystal clear. [1a]
For some reason, Necrarchs are unable to enter a building inhabited by the living unless they are invited. [2a]
Contents
History
The vampire scholar W'soran was the first of the Necrarchs. First during his time in Lahmia, and later in his time in Nagashizzar and later still 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.
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.
Though rare, Necrarchs are much sought after by young necromancers looking for a tutor.
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. [1a]
Notables
- W'soran
- Mundvard of the Von Carsteins; the Master of Shadows of Marienburg.
- Radu the Forsaken
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. [2a]
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. [2a]
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. [2a]
Notes
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.
Quotes
Wisdom is not without price. Ours is the greatest wisdom and thus we pay the greatest price. |
Gallery
Miniatures
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (5th Edition)
- 1a: Necrarch, pg. 15
- 2: Night's Dark Masters
- 2a: Chapter V: The Bloodlines, pg. 59-65
- Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (8th Edition), Needs Citation
- Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (7th Edition), Needs Citation
- Warhammer Armies: Vampire Counts (6th Edition), Needs Citation