My favourite parallel but grimdark difference between Tolkien elves and 40k eldar is; 'Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.' "Ask not the Eldar a question, for they will give you three answers, all of which are true, and horrifying to know."
I think that's part of their theme actually, to be unknown and generally misunderstood due to their own unique perspective and way of thinking and doing things.
@@HenryIVth Nah that's bunk. That's like saying "you have to be hungry to like Tyranids". Eldar are mysterious and misunderstood for the same reason that Space Wolves are furries: prejudice and ignorance.
Think we could get more in-depth lore on the different aspects following this? It’s one of my favorite parts and you touching on it in this video just gets me wanting more.
Back again to watch this a second time. You should be proud of this vid! Probably the definitive one on the Eldar I've seen. I like your allusions and references to broader culture without it feeling like references for the sake of it.
@@matthewball9851 thank you! I am glad one of the labor-intensive non-tactics videos is finally getting as much traction as the off-the-cuff coverage of rules-updates, etc
As someone who started playing during 10th edition with Drukhari, and is now slowly transitioning into Ynnari / Craftworld, this video has been very informative and concise. Your storytelling skills are great, the hour and a half flew by so quickly, managed to put together a War Walker while listening 😄
I've played Eldar since 3rd Edition and still found out new and exciting things from this video. Thanks for your infectious passion and great research leading to in my opinion the best 40k channel on youtube. As much as I love your gameplay insights and large focus on playing space elves I hope you will continue to foray into lore and historical content as well!
It's worth clarifying, Commoragh doesn't just dwarf the largest hive city, it dwarfs the largest hive WORLD. It's only a city in the barest capacity, being more akin to a Birch World than any sort of recognisable city.
Now! This is some quality lore, you flushed everything out with great insight into actual Lore. NOT just reading directly from the wiki. Dudes got a good unique voice for narration,compared to other content creators. Really hope to see more lore videos from you! (For context I’m a Massive warhammer lore geek)
The Young King is an Aspect Warrior, not an Exarch. The sole exception to this is Biel Tan, where it works differently. The 3rd edition Codex Craftworld Eldar is the only time in lore the Young King being an Exarch is mentioned, and then only as a pecularity in its description of Biel Tan's system of rulership. In every single other mention and every other Codex the Young King is "an Aspect Warrior chosen by the Farseers". Seeing as the Ritual of Awakening involves the Young King entering the Avatar's chamber completely naked this would be quite challenging for some of the older Exarchs. Farseers come from the Path of the Seer, not necessarily Warlocks. Warlock is just a term for a Seer who previously trained as an Aspect warrior. Of course 3rd edition again comes in from the left field, being the only edition that calls Path of the Seer and Path of the Warlock different Paths. Incidentally the only edition that has its two Eldar codices written by Gav Thorpe... pure coincidence I assume. Fun little facts: In second edition there was no connection between Tears of Isha and Spirit stones yet. In that version of the myth Tears of Isha are compared to Runestones instead. So if you ever asked yourself why the stones from myth function so differently from modern Eldar Spirit stones: it's because they were not originally meant to be connected. When they reprinted the myth in 4th edition they literally only changed that one word, without changing anything about how the Tears of Isha are described to work in the myth. During one phase the origin of the Path system was actually pre-fall (WD 127, Thorpe has the Eldar section available on his homepage), something that was developed over quite some time to try and stem the Eldar's increasing decadence. In that version the special thing Asurmen introduced wasn't the Path sytem as a whole, but the Aspect Warrior Paths. These days it's generally that the Path system only came about after the Fall. IMO the former makes more sense, as it explains how all Craftworlds could have a nearly identical path system - even those that canonically lost contact with the rest of the Aeldari after the Fall like CW Mymera. There are actually not that many known Craftworlds ruled by their Farseer council, in most it only has an advisory function (and decides the CW's course). Iyanden has the council of Noble Families (see Valedor), Saim Hann the council of Clan leaders, Biel Tan the Court of the Young King/Council of Exarchs, Alaitoc I don't know. To the best of my knowledge only Ulthwé is actually ruled by its council. The often repeated tidbid about Eldar sacrificing millions of humans to save a single Eldar has it's source in a 4th edition Codex quote about Ulthwé farseers. It was not meant to describe Eldar views as a whole but show what makes Ulthwé approach and views unique from other Craftworlds. The core Craftworlds present extremes of Eldar society, which most "standard" eldar falling somewhere in between. The opposite extreme to the Ulthwé approach is Saim Hann, who are described as often getting into conflicts with Ulthwé over it's approach and absolutely refuse to kill non-combatants based on some Farseer's prophecies.. Edit bonus fact: The Path of Vaul was first introduced by name in Valedor, probably to fill the lore inconsistency of 'if Bonesingers work with Wraithbone, who does all the rest?". They found their way into codex lore for the first time in 9th edition, where it says that Bonesingers and Smiths of Vaul "use uncanny powers to craft beautiful, deadly weapons. Edit2: this post may seem a bit too critical, so let me just say that this is an awesome video and thank you for making it!
Thanks for this comment. Can you tell me more about each craftworld? I didn't know saim hann was opposite to Ulthwe. Most TH-cam content is the same basic overall information.
@@LoftOfTheUniverse Giving deeper descriptions would be a bit too much for a youtube post, the Codices are generally the best source. But in general, back in the 90s when the descriptions were first written it was a time that was much more about giving people the tools to make up their own armies, be it Space Marine chapters, Imperial Army regiments, or Eldar Craftworlds. So the example chapters chapters/regiments/Craftworlds were made to be a bit different and extreme in some way, to give people a handle on just how out there their own creations could get. For Craftworlds all of them generally have some aspect that they are more extreme than the others and are counterbalanced by another CW that is the opposite extreme. But because they made so few 'big core" Craftworlds (compared to the ten first founding chapters) Saim Hann honestly gets a bit overused for the latter. You have Ulthwé as the most intrigue heavy and utilitarian, doing whatever is necessary to survive. On the other extreme is Saim Hann, which "quickly grow wary of manipulations and baulk at attacking unprovoked foes regardless of what future outcomes the seers of the Damned claim hinge upon doing so". When it comes to behaviour on the battlefield you have Biel Tan's genocidal tendencies on one extreme, and Saim Hann's sense of honor which absolutely forbids going after non-combatants on the other. For racism you have Biel Tan with zero regard for non-Eldar, contrasted by Iyanden's openness that goes far enough it allowed the establishment of embassies on the Craftworld itself. You have Alaitoc as the most tradition-bound one, but for this one they don't really establish a counterpole as we never see an example what a less strict Path system looks like. We know Alaitoc is strict about it, but we don't know what a non-strict Path system looks like. Saim Hann is named as the wild and "barbarous" one, but it never really shows how that influences their use of the Path system. So in theory these allow anyone that makes their own custom Craftworld to know just how extreme they can get and help establish a baseline spectrum. Sadly the result of this hasn't been that people look at these extreme and put the average Eldar somewhere on the spectrum between them. Instead most depictions in fandom treat Eldar as basically belonging to the imaginary Craftworld Al-Bielthwé, which combines the inflexibility and traditionalism of Alaitoc, the racism and manifest destiny approach of Biel-Tan, and the manipulative tendencies and complete willingness to sacrifice millions of Ulthwé. You see the Eldar of this imaginary Craftworld come up a lot in online discussions of Eldar, but even in related products like the recent "Inheritance of Embers" which writes its general description of Eldar behaviour as if the author only ever looked at the Ulthwé and Biel-Tan descriptions.
@Gokerz how you describe Saim hann makes me like them more. Honor and barbarism don't seem ti match IMO though so I'm wondering which one it is. I think Alaitoc serves as it's own counter: being that outcast and rebels are formed commonly from them due to the strictness. Maybe become corsairs so maybe that's the opposite as well. Do you have a favorite craftworld? What about minor ones?
16:22 "the war in heaven is something that has happened before and will happen again" [...] that idea, and its expression through art, immediately made me think of Battlestar Galactica.
Hi, I played Eldar in second and third edition 40k. This video was great in catching up on the developments of the lore while still tying back to what I knew from back then. Thanks!
@@WBConcilio If i remember correctly, Eldar Gods were specifically created together with eldar (eldar juice them up) as their super weapon against Ctan (basicly eldar were able to summon Gods on battle field like pokemons). There were cases like Khaine shattering Night Bringer in pieces, Cegorach (f*ck i want his avatar as a model!!!) trick Ctans into fight against each other or Vaul create Black Fortresses as a super weapon capable to shatter Ctans . Another thing that nature of those Gods brings up questions - it could be pure warp based creatures (like demons) or famous eldar (back in the time) who ascended to the Godhood (like most key characters from Old World ascended in Age of Sigmar and old elven gods did before them) or it could be just specific Old Ones. . Also need to pinpoint - back in a day eldar were by far more stronger than they are now in terms of psychic powers . Back than it was easy for eldar seer solo to mind rape entire planet with his power. Now days they need restrict themself and use like 5% of their abilities in order to avoid demons. Eldanesh you mention was a great warrior and he was able to fight against Khaine for three days (!!!). Mere mortal was able to stand up against murderous God of War (which is capable to shatter Ctans in pieces) at it peak (Khain in battle against Slanesh was severely weakened) and hold him for three days. Such feat is more impressive than anything Emperor show so far (as human)
@Алексей545-т6б yeah, I am familiar with the famous Eldar theory for sure- and I think the fact that Eldar hae wildly more advanced tech back in the day came through when I talked about the, 'create-anything-just-by-thinking-about-it-machibe' but maybe I should have said it explicitly
The idea of corsairs leaving a post scarcity society to do piracy "for the love of the game" makes me love them so much. Hope they get more models soon. Great video Brent!
This description of the warp (around 6 mins) is the most concise and accurate I have heard! Not that I have been there myself or anything...... honest!
The fact that you published this aslt the exact day I got my first eldar model has toe mean something. Probably something very complex and confusing and I don't own a farseer yet who could dumb it down for my Mon'Keigh brain.
The very word "Eldar" is lifted straight from Tolkien originally, to describe those elves who accepted the invitation of the Ainur to join them in Valinor and thus undertook the Great Journey, not all of them made it. The name means "People of the Stars" which is suspiciously close to how 40K Eldar describe themselves as "Children of the Stars"
Arrogance, lust, greed, sadism, desire, ambition, - all serve to feed the Dark Prince's power, yet so too does any excess of love, generosity, determination or pride, in short, as soon as a mortal's being's efforts pass into the realms of obsession they give worship to Slaanesh, however inadvertently.
Just getting started into 40K, and have chosen Aeldari as my first faction. Your channel has been instrumental in assuring me I made the correct decision. This video was awesome. Thank you.
I always forget how much lore there is for Aeldari. I definitely feel that the dying race aspect has put them into a real corner, though maybe the return of a few more gods could see them beginning to restore the ancient empire?
They've been dying since Khaine's defeat of the Nightbringer. The Nightbringer curse caused Eldar souls to stop reincarnating, these one of my core problems with Retcron lore it screws with important parts of Eldar lore.
Hey Mr Brent. I loved this video. I've been playing 40k for five years, but have never been too interested about the lore; I can't even be bothered to read the lore bits in the codices. But it's been great to sit here for an hour and a half listening to the background of my favourite faction, while I paint Canis Rex (sorry, I feel so dirty ...)
your videos are great to watch; probably the one 40k channel whose videos are almost always "i have to watch this new one by him" status. looking forward to watching your channel grow!
Really appreciate this well narrated overview. Keeping the lore top of mind while I play on the tabletop really enriches the experience -- thank you! One aspect of 40k I would love to hear your take on in future videos is why, culturally, space elves of all flavors seem to be so hated and reviled by non-elf players. Coming back to 40k after a 20+ year hiatus and choosing elves for nostalgic reasons, I soon found myself almost having to apologize to opponents for my choice of army. Particular models and units seem to elicit especially stong reactions, and I have witnessed on several occasions an opponent nearly choking on his own saliva as he chortled maniacally at the destruction of, say, the Yncarne or a squad of warp spiders. The reaction to our "broken" rules and datasheets seems outsized as compared to similar or worse mechanics in other armies (e.g. a list with the Yncarne is toxic but quadruple C'tans or double Mono not so much). The explanations I have gotten from folks over my time in 10th have ranged from, "Well, the Eldar created the Eye of Terror," to some iteration of "Elves are broken/cheaters/waaaaa." This perspetive on Eldar was not present in my play group way back in 2nd, but then again, this was a close knit group of nerds who spent whole weekends downing pizza and soda in hours long epic garage battles, which is a lot different than the competitive wargame experienced today. Anyway, as I said, would love to hear your take on this strange facet of 40k gamer culture ;-)
@@2oomuchcoffee I think part of the issue is simply with the Aeldari play-style- that is, when Eldar are well run- especially into a less skillful opponent- the experience of getting absolutely tabled by duck-and-cover elves benefiting from ridiculously powerful overlapping synergies can seem absolutely game-breaking and totally unfair, (which is kind of how elves should play given that they're arrogant duck and cover murderous glass cannons.) But it's a little bit like being a blue player in the old days of Magic the Gathering; everybody hated the blue player, even when their rules weren't broken. It's also true that a couple of times in 40K including the beginning of 10th edition and the beginning of 6th edition, the rules for space elves really were bonkers, which is just reassured players that they are correct about this assessment the rest of the time
@WBConcilio 🤔, so when I win games by move blocking a 300+ pt model with a 60 pt unit, that doesn't lend itself to friendly perceptions of our faction? 🤣
@@2oomuchcoffeeok, but how is that not considered completely hilarious? I mean, like, I do understand being salty-ish in the moment, but I'd be starting to laugh even as I was being irate. That's just too slapstick not to giggle at.
While I was just "along for the ride" I really did enjoy this. I really like some of your personal takes and interps of things and would enjoy a vid with more of that sort of content. Keep up the good work autarch!
I think one thing that bothers me the most is how inconsistent the passage of time in Eldar stories are being depicted. Some authors used 'cycle' to refer to what appear to be one human's year, while some used the same terms to refer to one day. Gav Thorpe wrote in the Path of Warrior, that the striking scorpion MC trained from basically zero to a full-fledged aspect warrior in about 200 cycles, after which he single-handedly killed a warboss' bodyguard (before getting swatted by another one). Then in Valedor, the advance force of the Eldar had to abandon their avatar in a maiden world and only returned to said world (to destroy it) four to five cycles later. When they returned, they found that their avatar is still kicking butts left and right. Alone, without support, against the entire forces of Tyranids. Then in Throneworld, I vaguely remember one of the Eldar character (either Eldrad or the poor Shadowseer) used the terms "many cycles", and they seemed to refer to years instead. I believe they were referring to how old Eldrad is, or maybe how long has it been since Eldrad received the key item that the Shadowseer needs to deliver to Terra, but correct me if I'm wrong. So which one is correct? If it's year, are you telling me the Avatar survived for the entire 4-5 years alone in continuous open combat against the Tyranids? If it's day, doesn't that mean a random eldar sculptor actually become a full-fledged aspect warrior in less than a year worth of training?
Thanks for making this, it's been a minute since I caught up on my favourite 40k faction. Especially enjoyed the insights into the Ynnari plotline, and I agree I'd like to see GW slow roll that story.
I was so glad when I found your channel a few weeks back! Your knowledge of the faction is absolutely amazing and the unit focus videos are fantastic for the likes of myself who has decided on joining the faction. Looking forward to growing my army and losing a lot to begin with lol. Great content pal :)
Found your channel because Ive researching ynnari competitive lists. I've recently came back to 40k since 6 edition. Drukhari is my army and I read Queen of Knives. I want that army list lol Thank you for all the unit breakdowns. It's greatly helped me understand asuryani.
This was great I appreciate the detail you went into and would love to see more like this with focus on the different factions as well as craft worlds.
@@crangon78 I’ve found myself using the term “a busy horse dentist” due to watching this channel so much lmfao. I have no clue the origin “assuming Brent or a family member cane up with it”, but it’s hilarious.
Great video, one thing that always "bothered" me about my pointy ears is why do they have a similar stance towards developing new things much like the Imperium? I'd understand if (some) knowledge was lost after the fall but surely they must be able to figure out things.
I’m a long time fan of the channel and have played Craftworld Eldar since 3rd edition, but your analogy on Drukhari being likened to Unseelie in their methods and folklore around them have single handedly changed my view on them from “Hate them, no sympathy” into “You know… maybe”
After listening to that very neat short story, ended up listening to this even though I already knew just about all of it. The world needs more elfdar simps. Also Yvraine x Guilliman is nice not just because fluffy things are fun to imagine in a grimdark setting, but also because G-man really, desperately could use a hug, even if lore would never allow it.
This video is really really cool, looking very much forward to see more of such content! Also, I really wish that they make the exodites playable! I'd totally try to create an army of them if only rules are provided.
As a returned lover of the lore that played & read back in 2nd Ed this video was great. I will be subscribing & look forward to checking out your content.
I think saying that Aspect Warriors are a minority in the War Hosts is a bit misleading. For most battles/missions they will deploy mainly Aspects with necessary support such as transport, artillery, etc. It's only when they are forced into a big enough fight that they will deploy Guardian milita and in dire circumstances, Wraiths, to the field. Of course, there are exceptions to this like Ulthwe, (the Black Guardians are a standing army), Iyanden (special case of history) and Saim Hann (special case of culture). Alaitoc is actually miscategorized as "ranger" army, they are in fact primarily Aspects first, almost to the extent of Biel-Tan, but their culture is so hyper fixated on Paths that many become Outcasts due to the rigid nature of their society.
I did love Dino Riders and casey jones so I think im probably going to lean more into corsair themed army just so i can be creative and fun with no helmets or custom ones, could always use dino rider eldar as bikers too I am not exactly planning on entering anything official. Thanks for the video it helped cement some ideas of what direction I want my eldar to go in.
Love the video please do more like this this is awesome I collect slowly building and painting and army. And sustaining myself with games if kill team. Big lore guy and I knew alot but I learned some stuff love it
Fantastic video! Do we have much info on the origins of the other chaos gods? Khorne and Khaine feel like they have to be related some how, from style to name and especially with bloodthirsters and the avatar having identical stats in earlier editions. Tzneetch being so into mutation and change kind of feels like a parody of all the messing around with other life the old ones were doing (intentional or otherwise)
@@witch_bird_jmh we don't really. Some people hypothesize that it was the war between the Old Ones and the Ctan, but Lutin makes a really convincing argument that it wasn't that. Yeah, the stat line thing is curious though- it's almost like Khaine is just an alternative iteration of Khorne
My favourite parallel but grimdark difference between Tolkien elves and 40k eldar is;
'Go not to the Elves for counsel, for they will say both no and yes.'
"Ask not the Eldar a question, for they will give you three answers, all of which are true, and horrifying to know."
I love that
Based
Might be the single most comprehensive Aeldari lore video I’ve ever seen, and the most compelling
@@Unknown-qj9sm thank you!!!
I'm glad you made this. For such an important faction in lore, they're so unknown and misunderstood.
I think that's part of their theme actually, to be unknown and generally misunderstood due to their own unique perspective and way of thinking and doing things.
@@HenryIVth Nah that's bunk. That's like saying "you have to be hungry to like Tyranids".
Eldar are mysterious and misunderstood for the same reason that Space Wolves are furries: prejudice and ignorance.
Think we could get more in-depth lore on the different aspects following this? It’s one of my favorite parts and you touching on it in this video just gets me wanting more.
@@LeoxandarMagnus I will definitely do some more
Just started collecting Eldar. Excellent video, thank you
@@d030y1 my pleasure
Back again to watch this a second time. You should be proud of this vid! Probably the definitive one on the Eldar I've seen. I like your allusions and references to broader culture without it feeling like references for the sake of it.
@@matthewball9851 thank you! I am glad one of the labor-intensive non-tactics videos is finally getting as much traction as the off-the-cuff coverage of rules-updates, etc
I know I will go back and rewatch every fee months
@craigbrunotte amazing
I'm loving the background vids Brent, thanks. super detailed, but with added humour too.
I love your sense of humour, the way you describe some of the concepts had me genuinely snorting with laughter. More of these please!
@@jimcanning504 thank you!! I admit to sometimes laughing out loud at my own jokes when I am adding the images after the fact
As someone who started playing during 10th edition with Drukhari, and is now slowly transitioning into Ynnari / Craftworld, this video has been very informative and concise. Your storytelling skills are great, the hour and a half flew by so quickly, managed to put together a War Walker while listening 😄
@@samuelhribik7016 thank you! And congratulations- those things are annoying to assemble
I've played Eldar since 3rd Edition and still found out new and exciting things from this video. Thanks for your infectious passion and great research leading to in my opinion the best 40k channel on youtube. As much as I love your gameplay insights and large focus on playing space elves I hope you will continue to foray into lore and historical content as well!
@@kl7325 thank you so much!! I really appreciate this kind of feedback
It's worth clarifying, Commoragh doesn't just dwarf the largest hive city, it dwarfs the largest hive WORLD. It's only a city in the barest capacity, being more akin to a Birch World than any sort of recognisable city.
Now! This is some quality lore, you flushed everything out with great insight into actual Lore. NOT just reading directly from the wiki.
Dudes got a good unique voice for narration,compared to other content creators.
Really hope to see more lore videos from you!
(For context I’m a Massive warhammer lore geek)
Thank you so much!!
Aeldari lore? My finger hit that like button before the magnet barron box was done rolling.
Best Comment down here 😂
The Young King is an Aspect Warrior, not an Exarch. The sole exception to this is Biel Tan, where it works differently. The 3rd edition Codex Craftworld Eldar is the only time in lore the Young King being an Exarch is mentioned, and then only as a pecularity in its description of Biel Tan's system of rulership. In every single other mention and every other Codex the Young King is "an Aspect Warrior chosen by the Farseers".
Seeing as the Ritual of Awakening involves the Young King entering the Avatar's chamber completely naked this would be quite challenging for some of the older Exarchs.
Farseers come from the Path of the Seer, not necessarily Warlocks. Warlock is just a term for a Seer who previously trained as an Aspect warrior. Of course 3rd edition again comes in from the left field, being the only edition that calls Path of the Seer and Path of the Warlock different Paths. Incidentally the only edition that has its two Eldar codices written by Gav Thorpe... pure coincidence I assume.
Fun little facts:
In second edition there was no connection between Tears of Isha and Spirit stones yet. In that version of the myth Tears of Isha are compared to Runestones instead. So if you ever asked yourself why the stones from myth function so differently from modern Eldar Spirit stones: it's because they were not originally meant to be connected. When they reprinted the myth in 4th edition they literally only changed that one word, without changing anything about how the Tears of Isha are described to work in the myth.
During one phase the origin of the Path system was actually pre-fall (WD 127, Thorpe has the Eldar section available on his homepage), something that was developed over quite some time to try and stem the Eldar's increasing decadence. In that version the special thing Asurmen introduced wasn't the Path sytem as a whole, but the Aspect Warrior Paths. These days it's generally that the Path system only came about after the Fall. IMO the former makes more sense, as it explains how all Craftworlds could have a nearly identical path system - even those that canonically lost contact with the rest of the Aeldari after the Fall like CW Mymera.
There are actually not that many known Craftworlds ruled by their Farseer council, in most it only has an advisory function (and decides the CW's course). Iyanden has the council of Noble Families (see Valedor), Saim Hann the council of Clan leaders, Biel Tan the Court of the Young King/Council of Exarchs, Alaitoc I don't know. To the best of my knowledge only Ulthwé is actually ruled by its council.
The often repeated tidbid about Eldar sacrificing millions of humans to save a single Eldar has it's source in a 4th edition Codex quote about Ulthwé farseers. It was not meant to describe Eldar views as a whole but show what makes Ulthwé approach and views unique from other Craftworlds. The core Craftworlds present extremes of Eldar society, which most "standard" eldar falling somewhere in between. The opposite extreme to the Ulthwé approach is Saim Hann, who are described as often getting into conflicts with Ulthwé over it's approach and absolutely refuse to kill non-combatants based on some Farseer's prophecies..
Edit bonus fact:
The Path of Vaul was first introduced by name in Valedor, probably to fill the lore inconsistency of 'if Bonesingers work with Wraithbone, who does all the rest?". They found their way into codex lore for the first time in 9th edition, where it says that Bonesingers and Smiths of Vaul "use uncanny powers to craft beautiful, deadly weapons.
Edit2: this post may seem a bit too critical, so let me just say that this is an awesome video and thank you for making it!
Thanks for this comment. Can you tell me more about each craftworld? I didn't know saim hann was opposite to Ulthwe. Most TH-cam content is the same basic overall information.
@@LoftOfTheUniverse Giving deeper descriptions would be a bit too much for a youtube post, the Codices are generally the best source.
But in general, back in the 90s when the descriptions were first written it was a time that was much more about giving people the tools to make up their own armies, be it Space Marine chapters, Imperial Army regiments, or Eldar Craftworlds. So the example chapters chapters/regiments/Craftworlds were made to be a bit different and extreme in some way, to give people a handle on just how out there their own creations could get.
For Craftworlds all of them generally have some aspect that they are more extreme than the others and are counterbalanced by another CW that is the opposite extreme. But because they made so few 'big core" Craftworlds (compared to the ten first founding chapters) Saim Hann honestly gets a bit overused for the latter.
You have Ulthwé as the most intrigue heavy and utilitarian, doing whatever is necessary to survive. On the other extreme is Saim Hann, which "quickly grow wary of manipulations and baulk at attacking unprovoked foes regardless of what future outcomes the seers of the Damned claim hinge upon doing so".
When it comes to behaviour on the battlefield you have Biel Tan's genocidal tendencies on one extreme, and Saim Hann's sense of honor which absolutely forbids going after non-combatants on the other.
For racism you have Biel Tan with zero regard for non-Eldar, contrasted by Iyanden's openness that goes far enough it allowed the establishment of embassies on the Craftworld itself.
You have Alaitoc as the most tradition-bound one, but for this one they don't really establish a counterpole as we never see an example what a less strict Path system looks like. We know Alaitoc is strict about it, but we don't know what a non-strict Path system looks like. Saim Hann is named as the wild and "barbarous" one, but it never really shows how that influences their use of the Path system.
So in theory these allow anyone that makes their own custom Craftworld to know just how extreme they can get and help establish a baseline spectrum.
Sadly the result of this hasn't been that people look at these extreme and put the average Eldar somewhere on the spectrum between them. Instead most depictions in fandom treat Eldar as basically belonging to the imaginary Craftworld Al-Bielthwé, which combines the inflexibility and traditionalism of Alaitoc, the racism and manifest destiny approach of Biel-Tan, and the manipulative tendencies and complete willingness to sacrifice millions of Ulthwé. You see the Eldar of this imaginary Craftworld come up a lot in online discussions of Eldar, but even in related products like the recent "Inheritance of Embers" which writes its general description of Eldar behaviour as if the author only ever looked at the Ulthwé and Biel-Tan descriptions.
@Gokerz how you describe Saim hann makes me like them more. Honor and barbarism don't seem ti match IMO though so I'm wondering which one it is.
I think Alaitoc serves as it's own counter: being that outcast and rebels are formed commonly from them due to the strictness. Maybe become corsairs so maybe that's the opposite as well. Do you have a favorite craftworld? What about minor ones?
Love that you give cred to the artists!
16:22 "the war in heaven is something that has happened before and will happen again" [...] that idea, and its expression through art, immediately made me think of Battlestar Galactica.
@@thephilguy1 oh, yeah! Great connection
Just started collecting Drukhari and this was a great find for me, I'm hoping you make more Aeldari and especially Drukhari Lore videos!
@@jonathoncourtney1692 nice!! You should check out Archon Skari if you have not already found him
That description of Vect is the best thing I’ve heard all year 🤣🙌💯
@@tomashogberg8514 hahahahaha- thanks; I was worried that would not land for most of the audience
Hi, I played Eldar in second and third edition 40k. This video was great in catching up on the developments of the lore while still tying back to what I knew from back then. Thanks!
Nice! You might like some of my other stuff as well, like the "how to play Aeldari in 10th edition" one from a few months ago
@@WBConcilio If i remember correctly, Eldar Gods were specifically created together with eldar (eldar juice them up) as their super weapon against Ctan (basicly eldar were able to summon Gods on battle field like pokemons). There were cases like Khaine shattering Night Bringer in pieces, Cegorach (f*ck i want his avatar as a model!!!) trick Ctans into fight against each other or Vaul create Black Fortresses as a super weapon capable to shatter Ctans
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Another thing that nature of those Gods brings up questions - it could be pure warp based creatures (like demons) or famous eldar (back in the time) who ascended to the Godhood (like most key characters from Old World ascended in Age of Sigmar and old elven gods did before them) or it could be just specific Old Ones.
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Also need to pinpoint - back in a day eldar were by far more stronger than they are now in terms of psychic powers . Back than it was easy for eldar seer solo to mind rape entire planet with his power. Now days they need restrict themself and use like 5% of their abilities in order to avoid demons. Eldanesh you mention was a great warrior and he was able to fight against Khaine for three days (!!!). Mere mortal was able to stand up against murderous God of War (which is capable to shatter Ctans in pieces) at it peak (Khain in battle against Slanesh was severely weakened) and hold him for three days. Such feat is more impressive than anything Emperor show so far (as human)
@Алексей545-т6б yeah, I am familiar with the famous Eldar theory for sure- and I think the fact that Eldar hae wildly more advanced tech back in the day came through when I talked about the, 'create-anything-just-by-thinking-about-it-machibe' but maybe I should have said it explicitly
The idea of corsairs leaving a post scarcity society to do piracy "for the love of the game" makes me love them so much. Hope they get more models soon. Great video Brent!
Thanks for the video! Just started collecting Eldar/40k this year. :)
I'm really glad you made this. Our faction was given so little attention by GW but you show at least community was not.
Brilliant video. You have a fantastic way with words!
Thank you
This description of the warp (around 6 mins) is the most concise and accurate I have heard! Not that I have been there myself or anything...... honest!
@@BobbFairbairn it's probably my favorite aspect of 40k lore
The fact that you published this aslt the exact day I got my first eldar model has toe mean something. Probably something very complex and confusing and I don't own a farseer yet who could dumb it down for my Mon'Keigh brain.
@@the_devils_jester hahaha. Must be in the skeins of fate
It means you picked a great faction to play, welcome fellow Autarch. 🙂
This was excellent, and should be the go-to intro for Aeldari! You tied in so much info, thank you for taking the time. Keep it up.
@@tomcaza thank you! I hope it has a longer lifespan in the ether than some of the other non-tactics content I have produced
Best overall eldar lore video I’ve seen. Gives a good overview of pretty much everything about them
@@joesheridan9451 thank you!!!
The Harlequin inside of me is smiling. Love to find people that do 40k Lore! : )
By the way, suuuper cool voice! : ) Love it.
@@slevinlaine thank you!
Great video, just started an Aeldari army. It was perfect to have in the background while I was building my first guardians :)
Thanks for the vid, nice to have a beginners guide to the lore all in one place.
While we fiddled with dice, Brent studied the simile. Every time you say "X does Y like a..." I know I'm in for a treat.
@@michaelanastasia1016 hahaha hahahaha
The very word "Eldar" is lifted straight from Tolkien originally, to describe those elves who accepted the invitation of the Ainur to join them in Valinor and thus undertook the Great Journey, not all of them made it. The name means "People of the Stars" which is suspiciously close to how 40K Eldar describe themselves as "Children of the Stars"
Brilliant video as usual. I've been collecting Eldar for 30 years and I consume all of your content. Keep up the great work!
Arrogance, lust, greed, sadism, desire, ambition, - all serve to feed the Dark Prince's power, yet so too does any excess of love, generosity, determination or pride, in short, as soon as a mortal's being's efforts pass into the realms of obsession they give worship to Slaanesh, however inadvertently.
Just getting started into 40K, and have chosen Aeldari as my first faction. Your channel has been instrumental in assuring me I made the correct decision. This video was awesome. Thank you.
@@Scottland193 welcome to Craftworlds! And I like that you said, "first factions-" it means you know what you are getting into
Thanks for all the effort put into this one! You did a great job making the lore as accessible as possible, there's a lot.
I always forget how much lore there is for Aeldari. I definitely feel that the dying race aspect has put them into a real corner, though maybe the return of a few more gods could see them beginning to restore the ancient empire?
They've been dying since Khaine's defeat of the Nightbringer. The Nightbringer curse caused Eldar souls to stop reincarnating, these one of my core problems with Retcron lore it screws with important parts of Eldar lore.
I appreciate getting the basics of the mythology for my Ancient Greek craftworld! Thanks : )
Holy shit there is so much more elf lore than I had ever heard before!
Love the video and other content. Elder lore is the only part of 40k that I enjoy. Your summary was fantastic.
Long time Viewer. This has to be one of your best videos. Love to see more videos like this! 👍
Thank you- gls to hear you say so- definitely one of the most labor intensive
Hey Mr Brent. I loved this video. I've been playing 40k for five years, but have never been too interested about the lore; I can't even be bothered to read the lore bits in the codices. But it's been great to sit here for an hour and a half listening to the background of my favourite faction, while I paint Canis Rex (sorry, I feel so dirty ...)
@@tonyclark6091 hahaha- at least it's not a Keeper of Secrets
your videos are great to watch; probably the one 40k channel whose videos are almost always "i have to watch this new one by him" status. looking forward to watching your channel grow!
Really appreciate this well narrated overview. Keeping the lore top of mind while I play on the tabletop really enriches the experience -- thank you!
One aspect of 40k I would love to hear your take on in future videos is why, culturally, space elves of all flavors seem to be so hated and reviled by non-elf players. Coming back to 40k after a 20+ year hiatus and choosing elves for nostalgic reasons, I soon found myself almost having to apologize to opponents for my choice of army. Particular models and units seem to elicit especially stong reactions, and I have witnessed on several occasions an opponent nearly choking on his own saliva as he chortled maniacally at the destruction of, say, the Yncarne or a squad of warp spiders. The reaction to our "broken" rules and datasheets seems outsized as compared to similar or worse mechanics in other armies (e.g. a list with the Yncarne is toxic but quadruple C'tans or double Mono not so much).
The explanations I have gotten from folks over my time in 10th have ranged from, "Well, the Eldar created the Eye of Terror," to some iteration of "Elves are broken/cheaters/waaaaa." This perspetive on Eldar was not present in my play group way back in 2nd, but then again, this was a close knit group of nerds who spent whole weekends downing pizza and soda in hours long epic garage battles, which is a lot different than the competitive wargame experienced today.
Anyway, as I said, would love to hear your take on this strange facet of 40k gamer culture ;-)
@@2oomuchcoffee I think part of the issue is simply with the Aeldari play-style- that is, when Eldar are well run- especially into a less skillful opponent- the experience of getting absolutely tabled by duck-and-cover elves benefiting from ridiculously powerful overlapping synergies can seem absolutely game-breaking and totally unfair, (which is kind of how elves should play given that they're arrogant duck and cover murderous glass cannons.) But it's a little bit like being a blue player in the old days of Magic the Gathering; everybody hated the blue player, even when their rules weren't broken. It's also true that a couple of times in 40K including the beginning of 10th edition and the beginning of 6th edition, the rules for space elves really were bonkers, which is just reassured players that they are correct about this assessment the rest of the time
@WBConcilio 🤔, so when I win games by move blocking a 300+ pt model with a 60 pt unit, that doesn't lend itself to friendly perceptions of our faction? 🤣
@@2oomuchcoffee nope. No it does not.
@@2oomuchcoffeeok, but how is that not considered completely hilarious?
I mean, like, I do understand being salty-ish in the moment, but I'd be starting to laugh even as I was being irate. That's just too slapstick not to giggle at.
I was along for the ride and always will be. Space Elves forever
While I was just "along for the ride" I really did enjoy this. I really like some of your personal takes and interps of things and would enjoy a vid with more of that sort of content. Keep up the good work autarch!
I think one thing that bothers me the most is how inconsistent the passage of time in Eldar stories are being depicted. Some authors used 'cycle' to refer to what appear to be one human's year, while some used the same terms to refer to one day.
Gav Thorpe wrote in the Path of Warrior, that the striking scorpion MC trained from basically zero to a full-fledged aspect warrior in about 200 cycles, after which he single-handedly killed a warboss' bodyguard (before getting swatted by another one).
Then in Valedor, the advance force of the Eldar had to abandon their avatar in a maiden world and only returned to said world (to destroy it) four to five cycles later. When they returned, they found that their avatar is still kicking butts left and right. Alone, without support, against the entire forces of Tyranids.
Then in Throneworld, I vaguely remember one of the Eldar character (either Eldrad or the poor Shadowseer) used the terms "many cycles", and they seemed to refer to years instead. I believe they were referring to how old Eldrad is, or maybe how long has it been since Eldrad received the key item that the Shadowseer needs to deliver to Terra, but correct me if I'm wrong.
So which one is correct? If it's year, are you telling me the Avatar survived for the entire 4-5 years alone in continuous open combat against the Tyranids? If it's day, doesn't that mean a random eldar sculptor actually become a full-fledged aspect warrior in less than a year worth of training?
What a treat over the holiday
Thanks for making this, it's been a minute since I caught up on my favourite 40k faction.
Especially enjoyed the insights into the Ynnari plotline, and I agree I'd like to see GW slow roll that story.
My first fully painted 2k army is the Ynnari. Love all the work you do for the Aeldari community.
I was so glad when I found your channel a few weeks back! Your knowledge of the faction is absolutely amazing and the unit focus videos are fantastic for the likes of myself who has decided on joining the faction. Looking forward to growing my army and losing a lot to begin with lol. Great content pal :)
@@scotthutcheon7123 thanks so much for saying so! Glad to have you onboard
Brilliant, thank you
Wake up, babe, the Asurian's blessing just dropped
You pumping out these videos with the new eldar releases bringing me back to my original army is just "chiefs kiss"
Yay, glad i looked into the Video, your Voice is super calming and nice
Found your channel because Ive researching ynnari competitive lists. I've recently came back to 40k since 6 edition. Drukhari is my army and I read Queen of Knives. I want that army list lol Thank you for all the unit breakdowns. It's greatly helped me understand asuryani.
Loved this!! Extremely well done, covering a ton of ground and keeping it at just the right level of detail. I learned a lot!
@@ShaneOriginStory thank you!!
Deep diving on the lore has been so amazing for this universe! Never knew this much for the Eldar
This is awesome and many thanks for content and videos like this! Love the hilarious simplification lines and excellent insight!
enjoyed your take on the Eldar history. and it made for a great video to listen to as i sit here and hobby. thanks.
@@ltGargoyle my pleasure
Great video, i even learned a thing or two about the Eldar lore i didn't knew !
A really brilliant synopsis. Loved the bit on the quins
I've heard this all before, but you tell it so well!
This was great I appreciate the detail you went into and would love to see more like this with focus on the different factions as well as craft worlds.
Yes! Path of the Horse Dentist! Love it
@@crangon78 hahaha
@@crangon78 I’ve found myself using the term “a busy horse dentist” due to watching this channel so much lmfao. I have no clue the origin “assuming Brent or a family member cane up with it”, but it’s hilarious.
@kinsmanifesto1 love it 😂😂
The pleasure with which you describe the Dhrukari is quite impressive 😂
As a main source of Aeldari lore now, Ya'need to get these names right man!
Don't be such a Kharan........dras 😉
@@maxmagnus377 true
Knew most of this, but I like the concept that Slaanesh is behind the ynnari all along.
LFGGGG IVE BEEN WAITING ALL YEAR FOR THIS!!!
Amazing video, loved this one. Anything lore based are my favourite ones!
Painting an Autarch as I listen! Your stuff is good for painting stuff to.
Brilliant overview, thank you
great stuff, new Eldar player,thank you!
More eldar lore! Its nice seeing some from a fan of the faction instead of someone who hates on them.
Hell yes! Been excited for this one!
Ohh man I'm so happy to see you here!!!
@ Absolutely! Love Eldar lore I think Brent does a great job with it!
Great video, one thing that always "bothered" me about my pointy ears is why do they have a similar stance towards developing new things much like the Imperium?
I'd understand if (some) knowledge was lost after the fall but surely they must be able to figure out things.
Fantastic work. Love to see more.
thank you - thank you - thank you Brent!!!!!!!!! I'm painting my Scorpions to this and Loving it!
Nice deep dive man!! Keep up The good work!❤
Yay! 500th like! Thank you for giving so much love to Aeldari. I love being on this ride with you!
@@TheRoamingRoman thank you for climbing on this jet bike!
I’m a long time fan of the channel and have played Craftworld Eldar since 3rd edition, but your analogy on Drukhari being likened to Unseelie in their methods and folklore around them have single handedly changed my view on them from “Hate them, no sympathy” into “You know… maybe”
...that is... not how that usually goes!
@@FangofFate yeah, I kind of had a similar arc myself
After listening to that very neat short story, ended up listening to this even though I already knew just about all of it. The world needs more elfdar simps. Also Yvraine x Guilliman is nice not just because fluffy things are fun to imagine in a grimdark setting, but also because G-man really, desperately could use a hug, even if lore would never allow it.
This video is really really cool, looking very much forward to see more of such content!
Also, I really wish that they make the exodites playable! I'd totally try to create an army of them if only rules are provided.
Very cool to listen to all of it again
This was amazing! Thanks for the nice summary of the lore.
Possibly the best 40K lore video I’ve ever seen/listened to✨❤️
As a returned lover of the lore that played & read back in 2nd Ed this video was great. I will be subscribing & look forward to checking out your content.
awesome!! love this. cant wait for more!
Love the lore discussions
I think saying that Aspect Warriors are a minority in the War Hosts is a bit misleading. For most battles/missions they will deploy mainly Aspects with necessary support such as transport, artillery, etc. It's only when they are forced into a big enough fight that they will deploy Guardian milita and in dire circumstances, Wraiths, to the field. Of course, there are exceptions to this like Ulthwe, (the Black Guardians are a standing army), Iyanden (special case of history) and Saim Hann (special case of culture). Alaitoc is actually miscategorized as "ranger" army, they are in fact primarily Aspects first, almost to the extent of Biel-Tan, but their culture is so hyper fixated on Paths that many become Outcasts due to the rigid nature of their society.
Great video as always
Loved this.
Would be great at some point in time to see background stories/lore on each aspect warrior faction and their Phoenix Lords
“2 elves 1 cup extended edition of Aeldari centipede” 😂
Hahahahaha- I admit that I laughed out loud at my own dumb joke while adding the censored graphic to that bit
@@WBConcilio "become a moist towelette for Slannesh" - I spat my drink out at that part.
@@aceflashheart hahaha
@@WBConciliocoffee did come out through the nose!😅😅😅
@@WBConciliocoffee did come out through the nose!😅😅😅
Thank you for this, and for the timing. I just got in line at best buy for a new phone. I'll be a while and this is going to serve me well!
@@Dave-ct1jk fantastic! I also hit up the BF phone deals today
I did love Dino Riders and casey jones so I think im probably going to lean more into corsair themed army just so i can be creative and fun with no helmets or custom ones, could always use dino rider eldar as bikers too I am not exactly planning on entering anything official. Thanks for the video it helped cement some ideas of what direction I want my eldar to go in.
@@Kitaki89 that sounds awesome
Love the video please do more like this this is awesome I collect slowly building and painting and army. And sustaining myself with games if kill team.
Big lore guy and I knew alot but I learned some stuff love it
Every Video is an S Tier !!!!
Outstanding Brent!
@@andysmith2235 thanks Andy!
This was a great video. Thanks 😊
Fantastic video!
Do we have much info on the origins of the other chaos gods?
Khorne and Khaine feel like they have to be related some how, from style to name and especially with bloodthirsters and the avatar having identical stats in earlier editions.
Tzneetch being so into mutation and change kind of feels like a parody of all the messing around with other life the old ones were doing (intentional or otherwise)
@@witch_bird_jmh we don't really. Some people hypothesize that it was the war between the Old Ones and the Ctan, but Lutin makes a really convincing argument that it wasn't that.
Yeah, the stat line thing is curious though- it's almost like Khaine is just an alternative iteration of Khorne