Warhammer 40K Lore: The Missing Phoenix Lords of the Aeldari
There are currently 7 Phoenix Lords of the Craftworld Aeldari with models – but they might not be the ones you’re thinking of. We’re missing Phoenix Lords.
Quick – name all the Phoenix Lords you can think of!
- Asurmen – Phoenix Lord of the Dire Avengers
- Baharroth – Phoenix Lord of the Swooping Hawks
- Fuegan – Phoenix Lord of the Fire Dragons
- Jain Zar – Phoenix Lord of the Howling Banshees
- Karandras – Phoenix Lord of the Striking Scorpions
- Maugan Ra – Phoenix Lord of the Dark Reapers
All the Phoenix Lords, plus the Avatar of Khaine…right?
Those are all the ones that most folks are familiar with – plus they are the only ones that have models…or are they? Well there are a few more Phoenix Lords that you might not be aware of. Don’t forget that all Aspect Warriors should have a Phoenix Lord and there are quite a few Aspect Warriors. So who are we forgetting? That’s what we’re here to discuss.
Irillyth – Phoenix Lord of the Shadow Spectres
Once a disciple of Asurmen, the first Eldar Phoenix Lord, Irillyth founded the Shrine of the Shadow Spectres on the Craftworld of Mymeara. Drawn to the small Craftworld in response to a vision of doom, Irillyth served Mymeara proudly, leading its warriors in the skills of stealth and swiftness – and all-consuming firepower. After many years, the Phoenix Lord led a great war host to the mysterious world of Bethalmae to destroy a race that would come to rise against Craftworld Mymeara thousands of years into the future.
Irillyth and his host never returned to the Craftworld; with their Phoenix Lord lost, the Shadow Spectre aspect fell into decline.
Many years later in M41, the armour containing Irillyth’s spirit was discovered by Mymeara on the human Ice World of Betalis III. Mymeara, Alaitoc, and Eldar Corsairs were dispatched to assault the world and recover Irillyth, and were successful in resurrecting the Phoenix Lord.
Amon Harakht – Phoenix Lord of the Eagle Pilots
Amon Harakht was introduced in the novel Shadow Point. Unfortunately, not much else is known about this particular Phoenix Lord. Amon has never received a model and while the Crimson Hunter is technically an Aspect Warrior, we’re not even sure that the Eagle Pilots are from the same Temple. Perhaps they are one and the same, or maybe we should be on the lookout for a new Aeldari Fighter Jet…
Drastanta – Phoenix Lord of the Shining Spears
Drastanta, known as the Tempest of Starlight was Phoenix Lord of the Shining Spears. Known for his hubris and tendency to engage in needlessly long battle, Drastanta came late to Asurmen‘s final stand and found his mentor already fallen before the might of the Keeper of Secrets N’kari. In a fit of rage, Drastanta slew the Daemon, the energies of his Celestial Lance shattering the creature’s spirit. Drastanta soon disappeared from the galaxy thereafter, leaving behind his Celestial Lance which has been passed down over the generations to various Craftworlds and Shining Spears shrines.
Warp Spiders – No Known Phoenix Lord
Have you ever wondered where the Warp Spider’s Phoenix Lord is? So have I! They are one of the only Aspect Warriors to not have a Phoenix Lord. However, if you dig deep enough into their lore you will probably come across the name Lhykosidae aka the Wraith Spider. There are some who believe this is a legendary Exarch/Phoenix Lord of the Warp Spiders.
This legendary warrior exists within the legends of the Kaelorians who claim that he is a rogue Exarch who appears once every few millennia to bring justice and peace to their Craftworld. It is said that he will arise from the ranks of the Warp Spiders though his power would transcend that of an Exarch. A copy of the Arc of Destiny located in the House Library of Ansgar even claims that the Craftwar was won by Kaelor due to the timely arrival of the Wraith Spider.
Want to learn more about the Phoenix Lords? Check out the Lexicanum!
