Maugan Ra is the Phoenix Lord of the Dark Reapers, the Aeldari aspect of war that specialises in long-range, overwhelming firepower. He’s the Harvester of Souls, the lone survivor of Craftworld Altansar, and one of the oldest and most feared warriors in the 40k galaxy.
Who is Maugan Ra?
Maugan Ra was born on Craftworld Altansar around M29, making him one of the oldest living Aeldari. He’s a Phoenix Lord, the founder and living embodiment of the Dark Reaper Aspect. In battle he wields the Maugetar, a scythe-like shuriken weapon of his own design, and he’s known for cutting down enemies from afar with terrifying precision.
He’s often called the Harvester of Souls, a name he earned long before he became a Phoenix Lord. As a child in the library-city of Biel-Tanigh, he cared for the Fatecallers who scried the future. When their visions killed them, he gathered their spirit stones and placed them in the Asurentesh, a device that became a matrix of souls. That duty gave him his grim title.
From scholar to Phoenix Lord
Maugan Ra was the second student of Asurmen, the first Phoenix Lord. When Asurmen taught the Path of the Warrior, Maugan Ra embraced it harder than any of his brothers except Arhra. He saw that the Fall had left the Aeldari too few in number to win through sheer force, so they’d have to outfight the lesser races with skill and ranged firepower.
That philosophy shaped the Dark Reapers. Maugan Ra taught his followers to master exotic weaponry and strike from a distance, never giving the enemy a chance to close. His demeanour grew dark and sinister, fitting for an aspect that deals in death from afar.
The fall of Altansar
Half a millennium after the Fall, a minor expansion of the Eye of Terror swallowed Craftworld Altansar. Chaos poured through its Webway portals, and the craftworld was dragged into the Warp. Maugan Ra was thought to be the only survivor, though the truth is more complicated. He spent centuries fighting to keep Altansar from being completely consumed.
For a long time, other Aeldari believed Altansar was lost. Then, in the 41st millennium, Maugan Ra led the craftworld back out of the Eye of Terror. How he did it isn’t fully explained, but it cemented his legend. Altansar’s return is one of the strangest events in Aeldari history.
Maugan Ra in the lore today
Maugan Ra is a major figure in Aeldari mythology and tabletop lore. He’s fought alongside the Ynnari, though his connection to them is complicated. He’s also one of the few Phoenix Lords who operates alone for long stretches, appearing where he’s needed and vanishing again.
In game terms, he’s a powerful HQ choice for Aeldari armies, especially those focused on Dark Reapers. His rules reflect his lore: long-range devastation, soul-harvesting, and an ancient, unyielding presence on the battlefield.
- Phoenix Lord of the Dark Reapers, founder of the aspect.
- Born on Altansar, survived its fall into the Eye of Terror.
- Wields the Maugetar, a scythe-shuriken weapon of his own design.
- Known as the Harvester of Souls for gathering spirit stones.
- Formerly affiliated with the Ynnari, now independent.
Key facts
- Maugan Ra is the Phoenix Lord of the Dark Reapers.
- He was born on Craftworld Altansar around M29.
- He’s called the Harvester of Souls for gathering spirit stones.
- He wields the Maugetar, a scythe-shuriken weapon.
- He survived Altansar’s fall into the Eye of Terror and later led it back out.
- He was the second student of Asurmen and a former member of the Ynnari.
FAQ
What is Maugan Ra known for?
He’s the Phoenix Lord of the Dark Reapers, a master of long-range warfare, and the survivor who led Craftworld Altansar out of the Eye of Terror.
What is the Maugetar?
The Maugetar is Maugan Ra’s signature weapon, a scythe that fires shuriken ammunition. It’s the founding weapon of the Dark Reaper Aspect.
Is Maugan Ra still alive?
Yes. As a Phoenix Lord, he’s effectively immortal, his soul preserved in his armour. He’s been active from M29 to the present day.