This is an attempt at a comprehensive catalog of official Necron / C'tan background and reference material.
I'm looking for help in these areas:
- Any Necron content I missed in old or recent White Dwarf issues.
- Necron blurbs in other codices
Thanks,
Kobkit ( aka Kemen'tep)
Warhammer 40,000 Rule Books, Codices and Expansions
Codex Necrons 3rd ed
Codex Necrons 5th ed
Codex Imperialis (p.90)
Warhammer 40K 3rd ed rulebook (p. 116)
Warhammer 40K 4th ed rulebook (p. 139, 148-151, 183, 186, 225)
Warhammer 40K 5th ed rulebook (p.126-129, 163, 178-183, 211, 300)
Warhammer 40K 6th ed rulebook (p.)
Warhammer 40K Assault on Black Reach: Read this First (p. 26)
Warhammer 40K Apocalypse (p. 37, 41, 162-165)
Warhammer 40K Apocalypse Reload (p. 48-51, 70)
Tomb Stalker Experimental Rules
Necron Canoptek Acanthrites Experimental Rules
Imperial Armour Aeronuatica (p. 65-66) Gauss Pylon
Imperial Armour Apocalypse 2nd edition (p. 89-92) Tomb Stalker, Undying Legion, Gauss Pylon Network
Imperial Armour Apocalypse (p. 87-90) Pylon and Undying Legion formation
Imperial Armour update 2006 (p. 39) Pylon
Shroudweaver Warcell(Apocalypse formation)
Chapter Approved 2001 (Reprint from US White Dwarf 239)
Chapter Approved 2004 (Reprint from US White Dwarf 275)
Planet Strike (p. 5, 45, 55)
Battle Missions (p. 48-55)
Codex Space Marines 5th ed (p. 38-39, 40, 44-45, 49)
Codex Imperial Guard 5th ed (p. 22, 66)
Codex Tyranids 4th ed (p.59) minor reference
Codex Tyranids 5th ed (p.21)
Codex Blood Angels 5th ed
Battlefleet Gothic
Battlefleet Gothic Annual 2002 (p. 2, 15, 61) The Necron Fleet and special rules (version 2)
Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 2 (p. 2) Fleet list and special rules (version 1)
Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 3 (p. 2, 8 ) Fleet update and amendments (version 1)
Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 6 (p. 2, 8 ) Shroud Light Cruiser
Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 8, (p. 12)
Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 13 (p.20) Cerberus War
Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 14, (p. 23)
Battle Fleet Gothic: Invasion (p. 10, 12, 29, 33)
The Harvest Fleets: Necron Vessels
Fanatic Online issue 8, Necron Tactics
Fanatic Online issue 39, Khopesh Class Light Cruiser
Epic
Necron V3.2 Epic Necron experimental rules
Epic Raiders (Semi-official based on the GW published Epic Necron experimental rules)
Fanatic Online issue 36 (Paper counters to play test the Necron Experimental Rules)
Gorkamorka (Angelis is a tomb world, These books have some of the first hints about the release of the Necron Raiders)
Gorkamorka Da Uvver Book
Digganob
Inquisitor
Thorian Sourcebook (p. 3, 4, 25, 30)
Inquistor Rulebook part 2 (p. 10, 44)
Campaign Books
Codex Eye of Terror (p. 9, 10)
The Fall of Medusa V (p. 22,23)
Collectors' Guide
Tau & Necron Collectors' Guide
Novels
Nightbringer (reprinted in the Ultramarines Omnibus)
Caves of Ice (reprinted in Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the Imperium)
Cain’s Last Stand (reprinted in Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium)
Dawn of War: Ascension (reprinted in Blood Ravens: the Dawn of War Omnibus)
Dawn of War: Tempest (reprinted in Blood Ravens: the Dawn of War Omnibus)
Hellforged
Dark Apostle (reprinted in the Word Bearers Omnibus)
Dark Disciple (reprinted in the Word Bearers Omnibus, very minor references)
Dark Creed (reprinted in the Word Bearers Omnibus)
The Horus Heresy: Mechanicum
Gunheads
Dead Men Walking
The Fall of Damnos
Hammer & Anvil (First novel with 5th Ed.-style Necrons)
Short Stories
Echoes of the Tomb (First printed in Inferno! 41, reprinted in Ciaphas Cain: Hero of the imperium)
Forever Loyal (First printed in Inferno! 39, reprinted in What Price Victory )
Phobos Worked in Adamant (Printed in Planetkill)
Deus ex Mechanicus (First printed in Inferno! 20, reprinted in Let the Galaxy Burn)
Kal Jerico: Above and Beyond (9 part comic, Printed in Warhammer Monthly issues 56-59, 64-68)
Ambition Knows No Bounds (Printed in Fear the Alien)
Mistress Baeda's Gift (Printed in Fear the Alien) Note: Dark Eldar raid on the tomb world Cthelmax
But Dust in the Wind (Printed in Victories of the Space Marines )
Background Books and Stories
Xenology
Liber Chaotica: Slaanesh, Echoes of the Birth (Reprinted in Liber Chaotica: Complete)
The Necron Threat (Printed in Warhammer Monthly 64) Note: Blurb about Necron death cults on Imperial worlds
The 13th Black Crusade
White Dwarf Issues (US issue numbering)
Necron Raiders
217 (p. 27-36, Back cover) Necron Raiders, Necron Rules, A Desperate Mission - Scenario ( IG vs. Necrons), How to Paint Necron Warriors (Necrons debut)
218 (p. 24-37) Necron Onslaugt (Necron raiders army list), Massacre at Sanctuary 101 Battle Report (SoB)
220 (p. 56-59) Necron Terrain
230 (p. 71-77) Chapter Approved: Necrons, Necron Attack (Necron raiders Army list and scenario)
239 (p. 73-74) Chapter Approved (Battle Stats, New Wargear)
Necrons (3rd Ed.)
267 (p.38-39) Ancient Threat (Necron Preview)
268 (p. 8-23) Chapter Approved: Necrons, Painting Workshop: Necron Warriors, Index Xenos: Necrons (Coincides with the release of Codex Necrons)
269 (p.90-109) Battle Report: Doom in the Desert (IG), Nightbringer Novel Excerpt, 'Eavy Metal Masterclass: Necrons (Nightbringer)
270 (p. 86-99) Translations of the Pertinent Eldar Mythic Cycles (The Birth of Fear, The Death of Light, The Cripple and the Dragon Note: see the Dawn of the C'tan in the archived web resources section), Painting Workshop:Necron Destroyers, Ancient Architecture (Tomb world terrain), 'Eavy Metal Masterclass: The Deceiver
271 (p. 46-49, 62-77) Living Metal!: Necron monolith, Battle Report:Lurking Evil (Dark Angels/IG)
272 (p. 42-47, 50-55) BFG Battle Report: Destroy the Tombship (Imperial Fleet), Modeling Workshop (Building the monolith)
275 (p.92-94) Chapter Approved: Necron Q+A
280 (p.83, 108) Eye of Terror:The Calm Before the Storm, Heroes & Villains of the 41st Millennium: Cypher- the Fallen Angel (Ad Mech Explorators witness Cypher attack The Deciever with a C'tan phase blade on Cthelmax)
286 (p.76-87) Eye of Terror: The End is Nigh, Dying Flame: The Last stand of the Firebrands (IG v Necron Scenario) Note: source of the "Senechal C'tan"
287 (p.66-67, 70-71) Eye of Terror: Death by a Thousand Cuts (Sentinel, Agripinaa), Eye of Terror: The Final Hours
292 (p. 96-115) Battle Report: Ancient Awakenings (Slaanesh)
303 (p. 58-67) Battle Report: The Long Night (Ultramarines)
313 (p. 140, 141) Lords of Death (Necron Lord Tactics)
314 (p.138-141) Molding Metal: Getting more from the Necron warriors boxed set (warrior conversions and painting tips)
319 (p.65-73) Battle Report: Death Stalks Machavius (Ultramarines)
321 (p.84-87) 'Eavy Metal Necrons
323 (p.120-125, 134-139) Only War: Counterassault (Wraiths), Painting a Necron army in a weekend.
352 (p.50-57) Battle Report:The Chronicles of Von Blacke (IG)
368 (p.76-83) Ask Eavy Metal: Necrons
371 (p.36-47) Trial of Champions: mini-battle report (IG)
Necrons (5th Ed.)
382 (p. 26-43, 46-65) The Great Awakening: Necron Background Overview, Building the Machine: Necron Model Designer's Notes, Eavy Metal: Necrons, The Rulers of War:
Necron Rules Designer's Notes, Battle Report: Attack on Traitor's Gate (Space Marines/ Eldar). Note: Release of the 5th ed. Necron codex
383 (p. 68-73) Slaughter on Shrodinger VII: Necrons vs. Black Templars Campaign Rules
384 (p. 60-69) Tactica: Necrons. Note: List of nine named C'tan and their powers
385 (p. 66-69) Army Workshop: Necrons (Studio Nihilakh Dynasty paint scheme)
388 (p. 1, 4-13, 15, 22-30, 32-40, 74-91 ) Intruder, New Releases: Warhammer 40, 000 Necrons, The Nihilakh Dynasty, Tomb Worlds Unleashed, The Battle for Tanrak ( Multi-month Map-based Necron campaign, Apocalypse Formations: Triarch Lawbringer Phalanx, Ghost Strider Phalanx) Note: Release of the 5th ed. Necron second wave
389 (p. 2,3,20-24, 29-45, back cover) New Releases: Necron Doom Scythe & Night Scythe.The Battle for Cardrim (White Scars/Orks)
390 (p.)
Archival Games Workshop Website Resources
Designer Notes [2961003.M03]
Designer Interview [2961003.M03]
Concept Sketches [2496006.M03]
BATTLE REPORT: ASSASSINS!
[2961003.M03] (Dark Eldar)
Fleshing Out The First Pariah (Scenario) [2525005.M03]
Xenos Imagnifier Flash Map
[2496006.M03]
Medusa V Edethor Region: Week 0 Prologue
[2516006.M03] (Note: Primary Source for the Titan-sized Crypt Stalker, commonly mistranslated as Tomb Stalker)
Dawn of the C'tan [2009008.M03]
Warhammer 40,000 Doubles Weekend pack June-July 2012 New ally chart, Necrons and Grey Knights?
-][- Redacted by the Inquisition -][-
Bibiliographica Assassinorum (Tangential References to Necrons: Culexus connection to Necron Pariah and Callidus C'tan phase swords)
Codex Assassins 2nd ed
Codex Assassins 3rd ed
Codex Necrons 3rd ed
Codex Daemonhunters 3rd ed (p. 17) / Codex Witch Hunters 3rd ed (p. 20)
Index Astartes: Deathwatch (US White Dwarf 259) Note: Background on the C'tan phase sword
Codex Grey Knights 5th ed.
-][- Redacted by the Inquisition -][-
Cryptophenom Necronis (Galactic Mysteries: These might be attributable to Necron and C'tan but confirmation and primary sources are lacking)
The Suface of Cadia is studded with 5,810 smooth black pylons a quarter kilometer square, half a kilometer high, and sunk a quarter kilometer into the ground. Each pylon has a unique pattern of small holes, orifices and tunnels bored through its surfaces. In addition there are 2000 partial or ruined pylons. They predate imperial colonization of Cadia and may predate the Eye of Terror (source?). While imperial sensors read them as inert and they have no discernible power source, they appear to calm the Warp and stabilize the Cadian Gate. When a warp storm expanded during the 13th Black Crusade to include the Cadian system the pylons responded with a barely perceptible resonance similar to that of a warp engine Gellar Field. They were assumed to be holding back the warp storm.
The pylons' construction, scale, age and warp dampening function all point to them being Necron constructs, possibly part of the C'tan's unrealized plan to sever the material universe from the Warp.
In additional support, on Medusa V the main drive of the Necron campaign was the construction of monolithic structures fueled by the harvested essence of their victims with the ability to hold the warp at bay. If enough structures were constructed, they would generate a warp shield that would protect the planet from the expanding warp storm. The Necrons could then harvest the planet at their leisure.
Arguing against is that if the pylons pre-date the Eye of Terror, then what was their original purpose or intention? Was it just a happy coincidence that Eye of Terror opened near a world studded with warp stabilizing pylons?
Sources: Codex: Eye of Terror, The Fall of Medusa V, Codex Necrons 3rd ed
The Ymga monolith is a mysterious black obelisk in space on the Eastern Fringe. There are only a few primary sources on the Ymga monolith. These include a small picture in Codex Tyranids 2nd ed, a brief mention in the Warhammer 40K 3rd ed rulebook where it is cited as having "sinister architects", and star map locations in the 40K 4th, 5th and 6th ed rulebooks. In the small picture it looks similar to the monolith from 2001: A Space Odyssey and its existence may be an artifact from the early GW days of heavy IP "borrowing". GW has kept it through four editions so maybe they will use it at some point. Any connection between the Ymga monolith and Necrons is highly circumstantial. The Ymga Monolith, as a Games Workshop concept, certainly pre-dates the development of Necrons. However, the reference to "sinister architects" from the 3rd ed rule-book is at least contemporaneous with early development of the Necron line. Sinister architects could refer to Chaos, Dark Eldar, Necrons, or any of the minor races. Based on the similar names, one hypothesis is that the Ymga monolith is associated with the Ymgarl Genestealers. Although populations Ymgarl Genestealers were established on opposite side of the galaxy in the far galactic north-west and Tyranids don't have a reputation as architects. As vangaurd organisms, the Ymagrl Genestealers may have been some of the first Tyranids in the galaxy. In keeping with the increasing emphasis on the Necron/ Tyranid conflict, one (admittedly speculative and retcon) theory is that the Ymga monolith could have been put in place by the Necrons to alter the Ymargl Genestealers or to suppress their ability to summon the Hive Fleet by dampening or breaking their psychic link. Of course, a simpler way to stop the Genestealers would have been to kill them.
Sources: Warhammer 40K Rogue Trader, Warhammer 40K 3rd ed rule-book (p. 278), Warhammer 40K 4th ed rule-book, Warhammer 40k 5th ed rule-book, Warhammer 40k 6th ed rule-book, Codex Tyranids 2nd ed (p. 9, 36), Codex Tyranids 4th ed, Codex Tyranids 5th ed, Codex Necrons 3rd ed, Codex Blood Angels 5th ed.
- Lyriax (The Outsider's Dyson Sphere)
This argument is based on comparisons of the Eldar, Necron and Tyranid detail galactic maps in the 5th ed rulebook and the Xenos Imagnifier from Codex Necrons 3rd ed. The three marked known aggressive tomb worlds on the Necron map correspond to Pavonis, Naogeddon and Lyriax on the Eldar map. Eldar monitored sites include Mars, Pavonis, Naogeddon and Lyriax. The first three are the tombs of The Dragon, The Nightbringer, and The Deceiver respectively, but this leaves the Eldar monitored site for the Outsider unspecified. The argument is that Lyriax could be the Eldar name for the Dyson sphere although there is no primary source that confirms this. Lyriax seems to be in approximately the same location as the Outsider's Dyson sphere in the Xenos imagnifier. Tendrils of Hive Fleet Leviathan curl around this location on the Tyranid detail map, but it is not as dramatic in the 5th ed book as in the Xenos Imagnifier. Arguing against is that the Eldar map uses imperial names for the other three monitored C'tan sites.
Sources: Warhammer 40k 5th ed rulebook, Codex Necrons 3rd ed, The Horus Heresy: Mechanicum, Nightbringer, Deus ex Mechanicus
- Commander Farsight and the Dawnblade
The background, sources and argument for the Dawnblade being a Necron artifact are excellently laid out in the Bell Of Lost Souls article 40k Lore: Farsight posted by Just_Me.
- Ferrus Manus, Asirnoth, and the Iron Hands Chapter
Quotation from Index Astartes: The Iron Hands
The most famous heroic story of Ferrus was his titanic battle against Asirnoth, the Great Silver Wyrm. This is recounted in the Canticle of the Travels, an epic poem of unknown origin that is still taught to Clan children at their parent's knee. He had stalked the great beast for days through the legendary Land of Shadows - the fearful land of the ancients, a place of great fear and mystery. This place, long since lost, was said to be a land of metal and stone relics of giant proportions, remnants of a forgotten age. The ghost-spirits of the clans are said to roam there once they leave the world of the living. The Canticle describes the monstrous creature as having skin made of living metal that was impervious to harm. Try as he might, Ferrus could not pierce the metal hide of the beast, his fists pummelling harmlessly against it. Fighting the creature for days on end, across continents and seas, Ferrus remained undaunted, confident of his own abilities. He eventually slew the great beast by holding the writhing creature submerged in a lava flow, enduring horrific pain, but bearing it stoically. When he finally removed his arms from the lava, the Wyrm was no more. His hands however were encased in the same living metal that the creature's skin was made of, a metal that was as flexible as flesh, as strong as the hardest ceramite. It is known that myths involving Ferrus and his metal hands precede the Canticle of Travels, but only in the Canticle is this explanation given as to how the metal came to be fused to his body.
He returned to the clans after his travels filled with new and wonderful ideas, which he taught to all who wished to learn. He created strange and powerful weapons and tools out of metal, shaping them with his living metal hands. He taught the clans such wonders that they never could have imagined possible. It was a time of greatness for the people of Medusa -the civilisation of the clans advanced at a tremendous pace, and the people became increasingly strong and proud.
The stone and metal relics of giant proportions in the Land of Shadows are similar to descriptions Necron surface tomb structures. Asirnoth's living metal skin and imperviousness to damage also sound similar to a Necron construct. Early speculation was that Asirnoth could have been the Void Dragon, but the story in Mechanicum makes this unlikely. Lastly, after Ferrus' fusion with the living metal he becomes possessed with increased technical knowledge and skills. Ferrus' fusion with a possible Necron construct might have had long reaching influence on the doctrine and mindset of the Chapter.The Iron Hands are obsessed with strength and with the strength of the machine. They see their humanity as a weakness and try to make themselves as machine-like as possible. The Iron Hands are intense loyalists and, unlike some tech-priests, would be unlikely to knowingly follow Xenos influence. However, it is unlikely that even they are aware that a Necron construct might have dramatically altered the path of their chapter.
Sources: Index Astartes: The Iron Hands (US White Dwarf 261), Codex Necrons 3rd ed, The Horus Heresy: Mechanicum.
- The Halo Stars and Ghoul/Ghost Stars
Lying outside of the spiral arms these are some of the oldest stars in the galaxy. There is some speculation that although the Halo Stars lie on the border of Segmentum Obscurus and the Ghoul Stars lie at the border of Ultima Segmentum that they are contiguous outside of the plane of the galaxy. These regions are said to be inhabited by ancient xenos civilizations and few return who set out to explore them. The Inquisitor rule-book implies that these may have been the sites of some of the first Necron activity. It is also implied that the Inquisition may have been aware of the Necron threat in M36, several millennia in advance of the battle for Sanctuary 101 and that the shift of the Inquisition's attention to the Halo stars allowed Goge Vandire to take control of the Imperium without interference, leading to the Age of Apostasy. Interestingly, although the Calixis sector (the setting for the Dark Heresy 40K roleplay game) is immediately adjacent to the Halo stars, there's no support in Dark Heresy source books that the Necrons have ever presented a significant threat to the region.
Sources: Inquisitor rule-book, Warhammer 40K 5th ed rule-book, Dark Heresy
The C'tan and the Necrons went into hibernation 65 million years ago. This time frame is contemporaneous with the extinction of the dinosaurs and most other large forms of life on Earth. We know that at least part of the reason the C'tan went into hibernation was that almost all life in the galaxy had been wiped out. The Nightbringer presumably visited earth at some point to produce the racial fear of death in humanity, ( i.e. the Grim Reaper), and presumably this occurred prior to going into hibernation. Maybe the Nightbringer slaughtered all the large lifeforms on Earth, leaving behind the racial memory of death in the small mammals that would eventually evolve into humans.
Sources: Codex Necrons 3rd ed
The Wolftime, in Space Wolf/Fenrisian mythology, is the end of the world when the final battle will be held a Leman Russ will return. The Wolftime is signaled when Morkai, the two-headed deathwolf devours Fenris' sun. This legend was almost certainly borrowed from Norse mythology where the sun is devoured by the wolf Sköll during Ragnarok. However, in universe, the C'tan are also sun-eating death gods. Maybe the awakening of the C'tan is a sign that the end times are approaching and that they will be signaled by a Necron assault on the Fenris system.
Sources: Codex Space Wolves 2nd ed and 5th ed, Wikipedia:Fenrir
Credit/Thanks/Sources
Thanks to C'tan Support Group Members, Pariah Culexus, Phobos, Zombie Dessert and Dezartfox.
Necrontyr Online Members, Admin, and destroyerlord.
Dakka Dakka Member, Sir Harry Flashman, VC, and yakface.
40k Online Member, Demonknight.
NeoKaw through the Web Archive
GameHobby.net
Lexicanum's Fanatic Online page
Gothic Magazine Index through the Web Archive
Exodite's BFG index
Exodite's Gorkamorka Index
The Bolter and Chainsword: Deathwatch Specific Quiz
Lexicanum: Aeonic orb
Black Library: Necron
RED ELF
German Lexicanum
40k Lore: Farsight
White Dwarf Index (US)
Imperial Date Converter for Windows
Explaining Dates in the 40K Universe.
Apocrypha Novem
0622012.M03 Necron Canoptek Acanthrites Experimental Rules
0455012.M03 6th ed, White Dwarf 390, IA AE
0410012.M03: White Dwarf 389, Standard Imperial Dating
0363012.M03: White Dwarf 388
..Records Missing..
0818011.M03: Imperial Armour Apocalypse 2nd edition
0425011.M03: Halo Stars, Mistress Baeda's Gift
0332011.M03: Codex Grey Knights, The Wolftime, removed missing white dwarf records (Thanks to the Dakka Dakka White Dwarf Index), WD 368, 371 article titles and page numbers
0200011.M03: But Dust in the Wind
0178011.M03: White Dwarf 314 page numbers and article titles
0869010.M03: The Cretaceous–Tertiary extinction event
0842010.M03: Index Astartes: Deathwatch
0836010.M03: Ciaphas Cain: Defender of the Imperium
0805010.M03: Removed White Dwarf 322. White Dwarf 267, 280, 313, 321 page numbers and article titles
0794010.M03: Ferrus Manus, Asirnoth and the Iron Hands
0775010.M03: Moved Ambition Knows No Bounds to the short story section,Ymga monolith, Cadian Pylons
0766010.M03: destroyerlord page number for Codex Tyranids 5th ed, Bibliographica Assassinorum, Cryptophenom Necronis
0761010.M03: Archive Web Resources
0758010.M03: Codex eye of terror and link to the original BFG Necron fleet list and background
0755010.M03: White Dwarf 280 and Tomb Stalker Experimental Rules
0719010.M03: Hammer & Anvil
0663010.M03: The 13th Black Crusade
0657010.M03: The Fall of Damnos
0594010.M03: Found the original GW published Specialist Games Necron Epic pdf
0519010.M03: Dakka Dakka article created
0499010.M03: Tau & Necron Collectors' Guide
0430010.M03: Chapter Approved 2001 and 2004
0227010.M03: Codex Blood Angels, 5th ed
0216010.M03: Added Fear the Alien and Dead Men Walking to the novels section, Inquisitor page numbers
0200010.M03: Added the Inquisitor Rulebook part 2
0175010.M03: Added the Thorian Sourcebook
0138010.M03: Added Gorkamorka Gubbinz 1, Da Uvver Book and Battle Missions
0047010.M03: Added Codex Tyranids 5th ed
0025010.M03: Added White Dwarf 217 article titles and page numbers
0950009.M03: 4th ed rulebook page numbers
0939009.M03: Added Battlefleet Gothic Magazine issue 13 (p.20) Cerberus War
0936009.M03: Added Phobos' confirmation of Codex Tyranids and Codex Imperialis and Codex Assasins 3rd Ed
0933009.M03: Added Liber Chaotica:Slaanesh
0930009.M03: Added Kal Jerico:Above and Beyond issue numbers, The Necron Threat, White Dwarf 287, 267, White Dwarf 275, 286, 323 article titles and page numbers
0909009.M03: Added White Dwarf 286, The Last stand of the Firebrands IG v Necron Scenario, corrected 5th ed. rulebook page references
0852009.M03: Added article titles and page numbers for White Dwarf Issues 292, 303, 319
0827009.M03: Fixed the Inferno! issue numbers
0816009.M03: Added Dark Creed to the novels list