(Image Credit : https://40k.gallery/flayed-one-2/)
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.ā¾ļø
The Cātan, or Star Gods, are among the most mysterious and powerful entities in Warhammer 40,000 lore. Once celestial beings of immense energy, the Cātan 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 Cātan facilitated the transformation of the Necrontyr into the immortal Necrons through the process of biotransference. However, this alliance came at a terrible costāthe 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 Cātan 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 Cātan remains one of vengeance, utility, and grim necessity.(I will do a deep dive into the Cātan later)* š¤
The Wars of Secession were internecine conflicts that erupted after the Necrons turned against the Cātan. 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.š
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 Onesāan ancient and technologically advanced raceāand the Necrontyr, later transformed into the Necrons. ( I will be doing a full overview and deep dive into the Old ones later)*The Cātan 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.š¤
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 Cātan. 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 Kingās 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. Szarekhās ultimate goals remain shrouded in mystery, but his influence over the Necrons cannot be overstated.
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 Cātanās lingering influence. The curse compels them to seek out organic flesh, which they drape over their metallic bodies in a grotesque mockery of life.
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(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 Necronsā fractured history and the lingering scars of their past.š§āāļø
"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
In the next post, we will delve into:
Stay tuned as we continue to uncover the secrets of the Necronsā ancient and mysterious empire!šššš¾š¤
Thanks for reading!
Until next time - Peacešāļø!
@XenoWolfzašŗš¤
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/
