So reading the 'Devourer' book today.
I have gotten to Chapter 8 with interesting items popping up.
I assume that
GW is aware of what is being written and is consistent with the upcoming Codex considering it is only a month away at this point.
At least that is my hope because that is why I bought the book.
Trying not to give out any spoilers
Crypteks are all referred to as simply 'Crypteks' even though they are using Harbinger capabilities.
The novel does still suggest that there is division of labor in that some know the secrets of time and not others.
Crypteks working for Anakar the Traveller are portrayed as having knowledge 'lost' to most Crypteks.
The Crypteks are then assigned to work with specific warrior/immortal squads.
In every case, the Crypteks were described as working for overlords rather than being on their own.
I would have to argue against gaining
IC and more along the role of squad upgrade or specific role.
It is interesting that a Cryptek uses effects similar to the Chronometron in one instance but then uses a 'Staff of Light' in the next as a shooting weapon.
HOEternity doesn't have a shooting attack, it has an AEONSTAVE which is a close combat weapon.
This same Cryptek then uses another ability described as time based which causes the fire rate of warriors to increase until they get assaulted.
This leads me to suspect that Crypteks will get a make over and that the title 'Harbinger' may be eliminated.
Potentially the strict splitting of the various wargear will go as well.
There was no specific mention of a 'Royal Court' but it does still read as though they are the special weapon / heavy weapon upgrade for a troop squad.
Something that came up multiple times was the interaction between scarabs and Crypteks.
Scarabs are described as being capable of becoming a power source to enable specific effects/attacks by Crypteks.
The scarabs are sacrificed when this is done.
This is distinctly different from any of the other Necron novels I have read.
Necron Lords are mentioned as are something called Dynists with no details given.
Destroyers are described consistent with the current codex.
Deathmarks are described consistent with the current codex.
Flayers are everywhere.
They are not described as something that can "...materialize at any time, lured from their bleak dimension ...." but are merely shambling around in the darkness.
The flayer king is referred to as well as the location of his domain.
Otherwise, flayers are described consistent with the current codex.
I think this argues against them being troops as they cause as much havok for the Necrons as for anyone else.
Actually, their effects are described almost exactly like in Imperial Armour 12 - The Fall of Orpheusm.
So, almost certainly not troops.
Lychguards shields are described as physically throwing back assaulters during their charge due to the dispersion fields on them.
Counterattack
USR? or a new rule that reflects HOW hits similar to ranged shots within 6" now?
Monoliths are described as being anti-air and floating up into the air to perform that role and then dropping to the ground to engage ground troops.
Don't the Monoliths have flying bases in the kit?
Also, they are still described as being slow and ponderous moving.
I know they are skimmers so the ground bit is completely consistent with current codex.
The anti-air thing hasn't come up in previous novels with necrons.
Actually, although
NS are specifically mentioned at other points in the story, it is the Monoliths that are described as the anti-air defense.
Unless there is a rule change, I don't think Gauss Flux Arcs are up to the job.
If they get skyfire then we could potentially shoot 9
Str 4 shots at a flyer and depend upon Gauss for effectiveness.
That would be good for about 1HP per turn.
24" would make that questionable.
Night Scythes are mentioned briefly but are mentioned in a role consistent with Fast Attack.
Not much to go on there and certainly not conclusive.
Doomsday Arks are only mentioned blowing up. So that is consistent with the current codex.
Triarch Praetorians are described as working directly for the Silent King and specifically only for him which is different from the current codex.
The codex indicates that they were the holders of the 'old ways' to ensure that law and order were kept and that the dynasties survived.
Now they work for the Silent King who is pursuing a different agenda.
They are clearly described as jump infantry with the 'rod of covenant' as their weapon.
BTW, the original Matt Ward 'fist bump' is in this novel and considered a source of pride for the Praetorians.
Warriors and Immortals are described similarly as they have in past novels.
Strangely, a single Immortal is described as holding a Tesla carbine in a squad otherwise holding Gauss.
(oh no! - Tesla might be an upgrade either limited in number ala missle launcher on
tac squads or just by pts cost)
Strangely the gauss flayers leave bodies lying around.
This is different from past necron novels and the fluff. I'll assume this is something overlooked by the author.
The Tachyon Arrow is described differently in that it takes a sliver of the holder as the warhead and that it appears to eat the holder's personality when fired.
The effects are described much more like a blast effect rather than a single focused attack.
In one shot, a large area is affected and many models are destroyed (friend and foe).
It still seems like once per game.
ABs,
CCBs,
GAs, DScythes, C'Tan, TBlades, have not been mentioned at all.
Wraiths have been implied but not named.
Interesting read for me. I have all of the other
40k novels that feature Necrons and this one certainly tries to paint the picture from their point of view more so than any other to date.
I have to say anyone who is awaiting a ret-con of the Matt Ward background fluff or are somehow expecting that the 'Newcrons' are going to change back is going to be disappointed.
Clearly, this author is completely in-line with the Matt Ward fluff.
Being a relative latecomer (6th edition) to
40k, I am cool with that.
Interesting Times Ahead.
(EPIC)
(EPIC) 
)
If you can't believe in yourself, believe in me! Believe in the Dakka who believes in you! 
)
)
