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I was prompted (probably not on purpose) to make another character that this time made Tomb Blades (an awesome unit) troops. So, without further ado, I present my newest creation: Zarakht, Ghost of the Khafar Dynasty. Also, check out my other Necron Characters (shameless self-plug http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/420078.page)


The Khafar Dynasty

The Khafar Dynasty was a smaller Dynasty on the fringes of Necrontyr space. The smaller Dynasty required a certain touch when dealing with their enemies, and that touch was usually swift and precise. After the bio-transferrence and the development of Tomb Blades, those Tomb Blades became the main weapons of war for the Khafar Dynasty. The Phaeron, Zarakht, quickly earned the name “Ghost of the Khafar Dynasty” after leading a squadron of Tomb Blades against the Old Ones’ forces. Despite overwhelming odds, the Tomb Blades managed to use their speed and stealth to great advantage, leading to not only a jarring defeat for the enemy, but also a newfound fear of the Tomb Blades and their leader.

A Swift Death: Any army that includes Zarakht may take Tomb Blades as Troops.

Zarakht, Ghost of the Khafar Dynasty………..180 pts

WS:4 BS:5 S:4 T:5(6) W:3 I:2 A:1 Ld:10 Sv:2+

UNIT TYPE: Infantry (Character)
WARGEAR: Tomb Blade, Independent Character, Resurrection Orb, Shadowloom

Tomb Blade: Zarakht rides in a modified Tomb Blade, outfitted to be as much of a throne as it is a weapon of war.

Zarakhts Tomb Blade adds +1 toughness for the purposes of rolling to wound. This does not protect him against weapons that would cause Instant Death. Zarakht must choose to outfit his Tomb Blade with one of the following: Gauss Blasters, Tesla Carbines, or Particle Beamers. Gauss Blasters and Tesla Carbines count as both twin-linked and Assault 2. If Particle Beamers are taken, they count as being twin-linked, but still Heavy 1

Zarakht and Elite Tomb Blades may take Quantum Shielding for 10 points per model. These modified Quantum Shields offer a 4+ invulnerable save until they fail the save, after which the shield is gone for the remainder of the game.

SPECIAL RULES: Ever-living, Independent Character, Reanimation Protocols, Ghost of a Chance, Ghost Court, Supersonic Targeting Matrix, Hit and Run*

Ghost of a Chance: The Ghosts of the Khafar Dynasty are an elite squad more akin to hit-men than frontline warriors.

Before the game, Zarakht may nominate one unit of Tomb Blades (not Tomb Blade Elites) to become Ghosts. The unit has a Shadowloom and the Infiltrate special rule at no extra cost. They may not join or be joined by an Independent Character.

Ghost Court: Instead of a usual Royal Court, Zarakht may instead opt for an Elite Tomb Blade unit made up of 1-5 Tomb Blade Elites. These Elite Tomb Blades use the following profile and wargear:

Tomb Blade Elite ………………………………45 pts per model
WS:4 BS:5 S:4 T:4(5) W:1 I:2 A:1 Ld:10 Sv:3+

UNIT TYPE: Jetbike
WARGEAR: Shield Vanes, Shadowloom
SPECIAL RULES: Reanimation Protocols, Supersonic Targeting Matrix, Hit and Run*

Tomb Blade Elites must choose to outfit their Tomb Blade with one of the following: Gauss Blasters, Tesla Carbines, or Particle Beamers. All Gauss Blasters and Tesla Carbines count as both twin-linked and Assault 2 and cost 5 pts. If Particle Beamers are taken, they count as being twin-linked (still Heavy 1), and cost 12 pts.

Supersonic Targeting Matrix: Such is the skill of Zarakht and his Tomb Blade Elite that they can take out enemies even while moving at extreme speeds.

If a model or unit with this rule moves using Turbo-Boosters, they may fire their weapon at BS3, and if they fire using a twin-linked weapon they may not re-roll if they miss.

Hit and Run*: Both Zarakht and Tomb Blade Elites have Initiative 4 for the purposes of this rule.

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Nemesor Razahk, Destroyer Lord of the Khafar Dynasty………………………210 pts

Razahk was once a brilliant Overlord of the Khafar Dynasty, commanding the small, yet capable, ground forces of the Khafar Dynasty while his brother Zarakht commanded the skies. Together, they were able to wield their armies as deftly as any blade, bringing about victories that would have seemed impossible.While both Razahk and Zarakht were both hailed a brilliant tacticians, Zarakht knew the truth; he had almost nothing to with developing the strategies of war, instead mostly relying on Razahk to craft battle plans like no other could, utilizing far less to far greater effect than anyone else. In fact, Zarakht went so far as to say that Nemesor Razahks brilliant tactical mind was matched only by Nemesor Imotekh of the Sautekh Dynasty; but when they went into stasis no one could know what the future held for Razahk. When he awoke from his stasis, his mind was broken into a thousand pieces, and all that filled the spaces were thoughts of destruction and slaughter. Now, Nemesor Razahk is just as any other Destroyer Lord, but rather than casting him out of the Dynasty, Zarakht holds out hope that one day Razahks mind will reform. Every once in a while a glimmer of Razahk will shine through, giving Zarakht hope that maybe his brother will return to once again lead their Dynasty to glory.

WS:6 BS:4 S:5 T:6 W:3 I:2 A:4 Ld:10 Sv:2+

UNIT TYPE: Jump Infantry (Character)
WARGEAR: Voidscythe, Resurrection Orb, Sempiternal Weave

Nemesor Razahk may take a Phase Shifter for 45 points.

Voidscythe: The Voidscythe is a giant weapon, even when compared to the oft wielded Warscythe. The weapon was created by Razahk himself, and based on the designs and systems of the Voidblade.

The Voidscythe is Voidblade that rends on a 4+.

SPECIAL RULES: Ever-living, Independent Character, Preferred Enemy (Everything!), Reanimation Protocols, Destroyer Host, Rage

Destroyer Host: Razahk was not alone in being infected by the Destroyer Plague. Many of his Lords also fell victim to the Destroyer plague, but to a greater extent than any others before. These "ascended" Destroyers, as Razahk likes to call them, are little more than mindless killing machines, even when compared to other Destroyers. Like Razahk, these Destroyers heavily favor close combat, as they are rather fond of seeing the look on their victims face right before they cleave it in two.

If your army is led by Nemesor Razahk, no Necron Lords may be taken. Instead, Ascended Destroyers may be taken as Elites using the following profile:

Ascended Destroyer …………………………………….55 pts
WS:4 BS:4 S:5 T:5 W:1 I:2 A:2 Ld:10 Sv:3+
UNIT COMPOSITION: 1-5 Destroyers
UNIT TYPE: Jump Infantry
WARGEAR: Warscythe
SPECIAL RULES: Reanimation Protocols, Preferred Enemy (Everything!), Rage

Destroyers may exchange their Warscythes for a Voidblade and Particle Caster or twin Hyperphase Swords for free. The unit may include a variety of armaments.


So, what do you think?

While I like the concept, if we take anyrakr as an example only one unit would get the free upgrade.

lol Anrakyr. That... makes sense, actually. Updated with reworked Ghost of a Chance rule.

Very nice, and much better than I could have come up with on such short notice. Special Character seems to be missing a weapons section (or I'm being dense, I'm just off night shift so this is possible).

BS 6 and twinlinked on the elites seems a little extreme, I'd probably just drop the BS to 5 and keep the twin linking.

And for the sake of my confusion, the Phaeron on the special character, wouldnt that cancel out the penalties on the Targeting Matrix, since he would always count as stationary not flat out?

Other than that it looks awesome, wish GW had done more with their SC for variety.

Hah! I completely forgot. I meant to do the Elite weapons thing, but I guess it slipped my mind.

Edited (again).

Melcavuk wrote:
And for the sake of my confusion, the Phaeron on the special character, wouldnt that cancel out the penalties on the Targeting Matrix, since he would always count as stationary not flat out?

Actually, no. While Bikes and Jetbikes have the Relentless special rule already (so technically this guy is DOUBLE RELENTLESS!), the Turo-Boosters rule clearly states that if they use the turbo-boosters, they may not shoot, which to me overrides the Relentless special rule. RAW is vague at best, although I think RAI is pretty clear, you just have to know the specifics (which I only did after reading through the rules about ten times).

BS5 and BS6 are the same to a twinlinked weapon, so if it feels better fluffwise, there's no Gameplay argument not to - you can only reroll once anyways It's why I don't understand why people get all worked up over BS10.

McNinja wrote:Hah! I completely forgot. I meant to do the Elite weapons thing, but I guess it slipped my mind.

Edited (again).

Melcavuk wrote:
And for the sake of my confusion, the Phaeron on the special character, wouldnt that cancel out the penalties on the Targeting Matrix, since he would always count as stationary not flat out?

Actually, no. While Bikes and Jetbikes have the Relentless special rule already (so technically this guy is DOUBLE RELENTLESS!), the Turo-Boosters rule clearly states that if they use the turbo-boosters, they may not shoot, which to me overrides the Relentless special rule. RAW is vague at best, although I think RAI is pretty clear, you just have to know the specifics (which I only did after reading through the rules about ten times).

OK, might be worth dropping the Phaeron off of him for now then, while I get that it has fluff reasoning there isnt any real mechanic to it if bikes are already relentless and he cannot dismount. I've been debating whether or not to suggest army restrictions to make it seem more thematic (i.e. they can take tomb blades as troops but all foot sloggers much have transports etc). But finding something to restrict without it seeming overly constricting is difficult.

I'd pitch a suggestion of a second SC from the Khafar Dynasty as one of the great generals who succumbed to the Destroyer Plague with the option of an Elite bodyguard of Destroyers who have access to Warscythes (shamelessly making use of their preferred enemy status)

Melcavuk wrote:OK, might be worth dropping the Phaeron off of him for now then, while I get that it has fluff reasoning there isnt any real mechanic to it if bikes are already relentless and he cannot dismount. I've been debating whether or not to suggest army restrictions to make it seem more thematic (i.e. they can take tomb blades as troops but all foot sloggers much have transports etc). But finding something to restrict without it seeming overly constricting is difficult.

I'd pitch a suggestion of a second SC from the Khafar Dynasty as one of the great generals who succumbed to the Destroyer Plague with the option of an Elite bodyguard of Destroyers who have access to Warscythes (shamelessly making use of their preferred enemy status)

On thematic rule: I think the point of this Dynasty is to be a highly mobile one. Perhaps I shall create a Destroyer SC... I'll do it tomorrow because not only do I have nothing to do until tuesday, but I got 4 and 1/2 hours of sleep last night and sleepiness just hit me like a brick. Edit: Just kidding I did it right now.

On removing Phaeron: I didn't actually include Phaeron in the point cost of Zarakht. It is indeed a purely fluff rule, although I'm not sure if that necessitates it being removed. Actually, after looking over the SCs in the Necron codex, many don't have it.

As an aside, have you considered making Zarakht a one model unit? This allows a few interesting options that may fit your feel for the character. Hit and Run springs to mind, as well as a unique weapon set. I mean, you already are changing his weapons around from what is on a normal tomb blade, just give him a unique shooting weapon instead? Other special characters have unique shooting weapons after all.

Also, catacomb command barges would make a good conversion point for his modified 'throne' blade. As a final bit, if you do make him a one model unit instead of an independant char, you can give him a special 'personal quantum shield' that either makes him eternal warrior or negates the first instant death wound. Also, what about a dispersion shield instead of the res orb if he is by himself?

I actually hadn't considered that before. I thought Hit and Run only applied to CC though?

I would use hit and run just to represent the model flying out to shoot some more. With init 2, its not likely to make waves after all, and it seems to fit the theme of darting in and out.

Actually, because of the Init 2, the Tomb Blade is more like to fail the Initiative Test required by the Hit & Run rule. Since you have to roll equal or under the models initiative, the Tomb Blades at I 2 would be more likely to stay locked in combat. Hopefully, with the high mobility of this Dynasty, the Tomb Blades don't ever get into CC.

Or you could have a modified initiative for hit and run on the Tomb Blade.

I was thinking about doing that. It makes sense, so I think it'll be in.

Instead of modifying the roll you could give a reroll. This indicates skill at hitting and running more than just a bonus init.

The only problem is that even with a reroll, your chances of getting a 1 or a 2 is slim. Having Initiative 4 offers a greater chance of breaking from combat. While being able to reroll a d6 roll generally shows that there is accuracy or skill beyond normality, it simply wouldn't offer the same benefits as simply having a higher Init.

The CC Destroyers probably ought to qualify as an elite rather than a troops choice, they're too expensive to make up the core of an army but undercosted for what they are, I'd suggest something along the following:

Destroyer (Ascended)…………………………………….50 pts
WS:4 BS:4 S:5 T:5 W:1 I:2 A:2 Ld:10 Sv:3+
UNIT COMPOSITION: 1-5 Destroyers
UNIT TYPE: Jump Infantry
WARGEAR: Warscythe
SPECIAL RULES: Reanimation Protocols, Preferred Enemy (Everything!)

Destroyers may exchange their Warscythes for a Voidblade and Particle Caster or twin Hyperphase Swords for free, the unit may include a variety of armaments.

Otherwise they become better than Praetorians at the same cost

Praetorians as they are are not that good (1 attack for a highly trained elite bodyguard?) But I see what you mean.

Oh I agree, Praetorians are trash atm. And the Destroyer Elites make a far more appealing Elites choice than them.

Bear in mind with a Warscythe the Destroyer gets 3 Str 7 power weapon attacks on the charge with rerolls against everything from preferred enemy.

Points adjusted for that eventuality.

The only problem I have now is that I want to convert all of these characters, yet I have no money.

I must say that I am against the cc destroyers. I know that they would make sense, BUT the destroyer plague wasnt really planned for, and if the crons had the ability to modify their grunty models then the book would be very different--warscythe immortals for example.

If you did make the cc destroyers, though, I would give them a worse destroyer plague as well, resulting in them suffering from Rage. That would make more sense as to why the cron overlord stripped the warscythes from his trusted lords to give to the crazy destroyers.

If they could mess with their own units all willy-nilly, any model could take any weapon. What do you think of the new Destroyer fluff and stuff?

I like the changes, 55 points seems ok considering rage.

Overall, pretty nice. Kind of the White Scars of the Necrontyr. A couple of points though, more simplifying than anythign else:

There is no point making the main guy's guns assault 1 or whatever as he will be on a tomb blade and therefore relentless. Just give him the normal guns of a tomb blade, maybe the partcle beamer for free.

Also your new quantum shielding makes no sense for the Elite Blades as it only lasts until they fail the invul save. but as thery only ahve 1 wound they woudl be dead then anyway. Make it easier and just give them an 5++ or something.

I'm also not sold on the uber CC destroyers. by giving them all warscythes they are basically as killy in CC as a D.Lord, but cheaper. Just give them power weapons. they are still S5 and T5 with preferred enemy and Rage - no very killy in their own rights. Giving them S7 just seems a bti OTT.

Aren't Destroyers unaffiliated with any dynasties like Flayed Ones?

Yes and no. They are at first, but once it is discovered that they have the Destroyer plague, they are usually booted from their former Dynasty.