The Venom is a small, lightning-fast anti-grav transport used by the Drukhari, Harlequins, and Eldar Corsairs. It trades carrying capacity for speed and agility, making it a favoured ride for commanders who’d rather not be an easy target.
What the Venom is
The Venom is an anti-grav skimmer that’s roughly comparable in size and nimbleness to the Craftworld Eldar Vyper, or the ancient Sky-Chariot of the old Eldar Empire. It’s built for speed first and cargo second.
It shows up across several Eldar factions: the Drukhari (Dark Eldar), the Harlequins, and the Eldar Corsairs. Each uses it a bit differently, but they all value the same thing: getting where they need to go before anyone can shoot back.
Why the Drukhari love it
For the Drukhari, the Venom’s appeal is simple. It’s small, extremely fast, and handles like a dream, which matters when the alternative is a Raider. Raiders are bigger and carry more troops, but they’re also the first thing enemy guns aim at.
Many Drukhari commanders ride a Venom into battle instead, keeping a lower profile while still leading from the front. The anti-grav ribbing and booster engines are similar to other Drukhari vehicles, but the handling is so sensitive that a skilled pilot can weave through heavy fire. A holographic Flickerfield adds to the confusion.
In the right hands, a Venom can even slip through Webway passages built for a single traveller. That’s not something you’d try in a larger transport.
Who rides one
Venoms usually carry a small cadre of elite Drukhari warriors, hitting like a poisoned dart at the heart of an enemy force. They often attack in waves, which is the Drukhari way of war.
Sometimes a Venom carries just one passenger: a noble too arrogant or paranoid to trust even their own bodyguards, or a lord who simply won’t share a Raider with common footsoldiers. They’re also popular with Commorrite hunters and upper-spire aristocrats who enjoy running people down.
Corsairs admire the Venom for its breakneck speed, and bands with ties to Commorragh spend a lot of their plunder to get their hands on one. In battle, these craft tend to get claimed by the Corsairs most eager for rank and glory, who hurl themselves into enemy ranks to cause as much chaos as possible.
Weapons and wargear
A Venom typically mounts twin-linked Splinter Rifles on its fuselage and a heavier Splinter Cannon on its canopy. The rifles can be swapped out for another Splinter Cannon if you’d rather have more punch.
It also carries Bladevanes, which rip apart anything it passes over. And don’t forget the passengers: they’ll be firing their own weapons at anything they come across.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Anti-grav skimmer transport |
| Crew | 1 pilot |
| Capacity | Small (often a handful of elite warriors, sometimes just one) |
| Standard guns | Twin-linked Splinter Rifles and a Splinter Cannon |
| Option | Swap the Splinter Rifles for a second Splinter Cannon |
| Special gear | Bladevanes, Flickerfield |
Key facts
- The Venom is a small anti-grav transport used by Drukhari, Harlequins, and Eldar Corsairs.
- It’s comparable in size and agility to the Eldar Vyper and the ancient Eldar Sky-Chariot.
- Standard armament: twin-linked Splinter Rifles plus a Splinter Cannon, with Bladevanes for close passes.
- It’s favoured over the Raider by commanders who want to avoid being an obvious target.
- A skilled pilot can weave through heavy fire and even navigate single-traveller Webway passages.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Venom and a Raider?
The Venom is smaller, faster, and carries fewer troops. The Raider is bigger and more heavily armed but also a bigger target, which is why some Drukhari commanders pick the Venom instead.
Which factions use the Venom?
The Drukhari, the Harlequins, and the Eldar Corsairs. The Drukhari use it most often, but Corsairs with ties to Commorragh prize it too.
Can a Venom really fly through the Webway?
Yes, in skilled hands. Its size and agility let it navigate Webway passages built for a single traveller, something larger transports can’t manage.