Crypteks are the Necrons’ techno-sorcerers, scientists whose mastery of physics looks like magic to everyone else. They’re the reason a Necron dynasty can bend time, teleport armies, and unleash energies that rival the Imperium’s psykers.
What a Cryptek actually is
Crypteks are Necron technological specialists. They study the ancient, highly advanced science of their race, and their abilities often mirror the psychic powers of other factions. The key difference is that a Cryptek doesn’t channel the Warp. Instead, they use arcane science to harness the universe’s fundamental forces.
They operate in pan-galactic conclaves, groups that specialise in a particular field of techno-sorcery. Though they hold no official rank in a dynasty’s political structure, they wield incredible influence. Overlords and Lords keep them close as confidants, and they’ll meet almost any demand to secure a Cryptek’s services.
From priests to techno-sorcerers
Crypteks started as the priestly class of Necrontyr society. They served as court viziers, read the stars for their lords, worked as alchemists, handled funeral rites for the dead, and tried to cure the cancerous growths that plagued their race.
Over time, those simple priests evolved into master engineers. Their fields of study now include dimensional dissonance, singularity manipulation, atomic transmutation, and elemental transmogrification. To anyone else, it all looks like magic.
Disciplines and technologies
Each Cryptek specialises in a discipline, and their wargear reflects it. They wear Essence-Tomes, chains of tiles forged from whatever substance they study. As they advance, they add more tiles. Chronomancers use tiles made from time itself, while Voidmancers build theirs from black holes. Dimensionalists draw theirs from the wounds between dimensions.
The main disciplines include Chronomancy (time), Psychomancy (mind), Ethermancy (energy), Geomancy (matter), Plasmomancy (plasma), and Technomancy (machines). There are also Antithetik disciplines, which focus on countering other forms of techno-sorcery. Because each Cryptek pushes his field as far as it’ll go, you’ll see them referred to by titles like Chronomancer or Psychomancer rather than just ‘Cryptek’.
- Chronomancers: manipulate time, foresight, and temporal loops.
- Psychomancers: assault the mind, causing fear and madness.
- Ethermancers: command energy and lightning.
- Geomancers: control earth, metal, and seismic forces.
- Plasmancers: wield raw plasma and destructive blasts.
- Technomancers: interface with and corrupt technology.
How they fit into a dynasty
A Cryptek’s ambition is only checked by rival Crypteks. If one grows too powerful, an Overlord might try to replace him with a more pliable rival from another conclave. No Cryptek will knowingly replace one of his own conclave, but a rival from elsewhere will jump at the chance.
Once hired, a Cryptek’s duties extend far beyond the tomb world. Overlords often grant them first pick of precious resources in exchange for service on campaign. It’s a good deal for both sides: the tomb world’s resources are limited, and the Cryptek needs raw materials for his trade.
Key facts
- Crypteks are Necron techno-sorcerers who use arcane science instead of the Warp.
- They originated as the priestly class of the Necrontyr.
- They operate in pan-galactic conclaves, each specialising in a discipline.
- Their powers include time manipulation, atomic transmutation, and dimensional dissonance.
- They wear Essence-Tomes made from the substance they study.
- Overlords compete to secure their services, offering rich resources in return.
FAQ
What is the difference between a Cryptek and a psyker?
Both can seem to perform magic, but a psyker channels the Warp through a mutant mind. A Cryptek uses arcane science to manipulate the universe’s fundamental forces. No Warp involved.
Do Crypteks have official rank in a Necron dynasty?
No. They hold no formal rank, but they’re incredibly influential. Overlords treat them as close confidants and will meet their demands to keep them happy.
What are Essence-Tomes?
They’re chains of tiles forged from the substance a Cryptek studies. As the Cryptek masters his field, he adds more tiles. A Chronomancer’s tiles are made from time itself.