The Beastmasters are the Drukhari specialists who break, train, and unleash monsters, both in Commorragh’s arenas and on raids into realspace. They’re a distinct branch of the Wych Cults, and they sit at the crossroads of Drukhari culture, gladiatorial spectacle, and the wider 40k theme of domination.
What a beastmaster is
A Beastmaster is a Dark Eldar Wych who subjugates deadly creatures for war or for the gladiatorial arenas of Commorragh. They belong to the Wych Cults but keep their distance from the rank and file, and they’re predominantly male, which sets them apart from the mostly female Wyches.
Their wild hunts are a crowd favourite in the arena. Some think their traditions have shamanic roots, since they go into battle wearing totems and masks that echo the beasts they command.
The masks aren’t just for show. They carry sonic emitters and pheromone traps that give a Beastmaster partial control over his herd, though even without a mask a Beastmaster has a natural knack for dominating lesser creatures.
The beasts they command
Beastmasters drive their herds into a bloodlust using whips and lures, hovering above the frenzy on modified skyboards. They’ll happily join Dark Eldar raids into realspace to do it.
Clawed Fiends, Khymerae, and Razorwings are the most popular and stay in near-constant use. Rarer captures happen too, and on at least one occasion that’s included a Space Marine.
- Barghesi
- Clawed Fiend
- Helspider
- Khymera
- Megasaur
- Razorwing
| Beast | Notes | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clawed Fiend | Among the most commonly used | Razorwing | Among the most commonly used | Khymera | Among the most commonly used |
Outland beastmasters of Necromunda
Necromunda has its own Beastmasters, and they’re a different breed. Outland Beastmasters are hive-worlders who capture and train the creatures of Necromunda, then hire out themselves and their animals to gangs.
They hunt specific prey in the lower hive cities or beneath wasteland settlements, using lures, animal calls, and Shock Staves to overpower a creature before training it to obey. A Beastmaster specialises in one kind of creature, so a gang has to find the right one for the job.
Once hired, they’re a nasty surprise on the battlefield. They’re no pushovers themselves either, usually carrying a sawed-off shotgun and a Shock Staff, and if a gang’s luck really turns they can always eat the creatures.
How they connect to other lore
The name shows up outside 40k too. In Warhammer Fantasy, Dark Elves have their own Beastmasters, trained at Karond Kar and Clar Karond, who bend beasts to their will with a mix of torment and innate empathy. Rakarth is named as the greatest of them, and the more skilled are called High Beastmasters.
In 40k terms, Beastmasters sit alongside the other Drukhari command figures like Archons, Succubi, and Haemonculi, and they share the arenas with Wyches. It’s worth noting the name is reused across settings, so if you’re looking for the 40k version, that’s the Drukhari Wych.
Key facts
- Beastmasters are Drukhari Wyches who subjugate beasts for war and Commorragh’s arenas.
- They’re predominantly male and keep apart from the mostly female Wyches.
- Their masks use sonic emitters and pheromone traps to help control beasts.
- Common beasts include Clawed Fiends, Khymerae, and Razorwings.
- Necromunda’s Outland Beastmasters are a separate thing: hive-worlders who hire out trained creatures to gangs.
- Warhammer Fantasy Dark Elves also have Beastmasters, with Rakarth as the most famous.
FAQ
Are Beastmasters Drukhari?
Yes, the 40k Beastmasters are Drukhari Wyches who specialise in capturing and controlling beasts for war and the arenas of Commorragh.
What’s the difference between a Beastmaster and an Outland Beastmaster?
The Drukhari Beastmaster is a Wych in the Dark Eldar arenas and raids. An Outland Beastmaster is a Necromundan who hires out captured creatures to gangs.
What beasts do Beastmasters use?
Common ones include Clawed Fiends, Khymerae, and Razorwings, along with Barghesi, Helspiders, and Megasaurs.