The Swooping Hawks are the Aeldari’s airborne Aspect Warriors, swift skirmishers who leap into the sky and rain fire on the enemy below. They’re the fastest and most mobile of all the Eldar warrior shrines, and they fight in the name of vengeance.
What the Swooping Hawks are
The Swooping Hawks are a type of Aspect Warrior, Aeldari who follow one of the aspects of their war god, Kaela Mensha Khaine. Their aspect is his persistence in judgement and retribution.
They take their name from hunting birds in Eldar mythology that symbolize revenge. In the legends, those birds carry the spirit of a murdered Eldar and hover over the killers as a mark of guilt.
Among the Aspect Shrines, they’re the swiftest and most mobile warriors the Aeldari field.
Baharroth and the shrine
The shrine was founded by Baharroth, the Winged Phoenix, said to be the finest student of Asurmen. Like the other Phoenix Lords, he dates back to the Fall itself.
It’s foretold that Baharroth will meet his final death during the Rhana Dandra, the last battle against Chaos. He carries the title “The Cry of the Wind.”
Their colours are typically sky-like: pale blue or grey, often with contrasting tones, especially on the wings.
Wings, armour, and wargear
Swooping Hawk Wings let them lift off at a moment’s notice and cross the battlefield in flight. That speed and agility is the whole point of the shrine.
The trade-off is protection. Their Aspect Armour is thinner than what other shrines wear and offers less protection, so they rely on movement instead of toughness.
Their ritual weapons are the Lasblaster and the Swooping Hawk Grenade Pack. Flying over the enemy, they drop grenades, then either press the attack or fall back to cover and fire their lasblasters.
- Lasblaster: their standard ranged weapon
- Swooping Hawk Grenade Pack: can carry Krak, Frag, Plasma, and Haywire grenades
- Role: harassers operating ahead of the main Aeldari host
The Exarch and the Raptor’s Throne
An Exarch is an Aeldari warrior lost on the Path of the Warrior, trapped forever as a dealer of death. They wear more ornate Aspect Armour, inhabited by the souls of past Exarchs who pass on their wisdom.
The Swooping Hawk Exarch sits upon the “Raptor’s Throne” within the shrine. They embody the aspect to extraordinary heights and lead their squads in battle.
Knowing the best moment to redeploy, the Exarch can lead the squad on a skyleap, a high flight into the air to land in a better position.
Key facts
- The Swooping Hawks are an Aeldari Aspect Warrior shrine following Kaela Mensha Khaine’s aspect of judgement and retribution.
- Their Phoenix Lord is Baharroth, “The Cry of the Wind,” foretold to die at the Rhana Dandra.
- They’re the swiftest and most mobile Eldar warriors, using Swooping Hawk Wings to fly.
- Their ritual weapons are the Lasblaster and the Swooping Hawk Grenade Pack.
- Their Aspect Armour is thinner and less protective than other shrines’.
- The Exarch sits upon the “Raptor’s Throne” and can lead the squad on a skyleap.
FAQ
Who is the Phoenix Lord of the Swooping Hawks?
Baharroth, the Winged Phoenix, also called “The Cry of the Wind.” He’s said to be Asurmen’s finest student and will die his final death at the Rhana Dandra.
What’s the Swooping Hawks’ combat role?
They’re airborne infantry support and harassers. They fly ahead of the main Aeldari force, drop grenades, and use their mobility to reposition rather than soak up damage.
Why is their armour lighter than other Aspect Warriors?
Their speed and agility make up for thinner Aspect Armour. The shrine trades protection for mobility, which suits their hit-and-run style.