Triarch Praetorians are the elite Necron guardians who serve the Triarch, the three rulers of the ancient Necron dynasties. They’re not your average warrior, they’re bodyguards, enforcers, and living relics of a time before the Necrons traded flesh for metal.
Who they are
The Triarch Praetorians are the personal protectors of the Triarch, the council of three that once led the Necrontyr and now oversees the Necron dynasties. They answer to the Triarch alone, not to any single overlord.
They’re among the oldest Necrons still walking, their bodies built to last through the Great Sleep and their minds kept sharp enough to judge whether a dynasty’s ruler is fit to rule.
What they do
Their main job is to guard the Triarch and enforce its will. If a dynastic lord steps out of line or fails the Triarch, Praetorians might show up to remind them who really holds authority.
They also serve as advisors and messengers, carrying the Triarch’s decrees across the galaxy. In battle, they fight as elite shock troops, dropping in to break enemy lines or cut down key targets.
- Bodyguards to the Triarch’s members
- Enforcers of Triarch law across dynasties
- Elite combat units used for precision strikes
- Bearers of the Triarch’s edicts and judgments
Wargear and abilities
Praetorians don’t carry the usual Necron gauss flayer. They favour close-range weapons like rod of covenant, a staff that can fire energy blasts or crack skulls in melee.
Their bodies are tougher than standard Necron infantry, with heavier armour and self-repair systems that keep them fighting long after lesser troops would phase out. Some can even teleport short distances, making them hard to pin down.
| Unit | Role | Signature weapon |
|---|---|---|
| Triarch Praetorian | Elite guard | Rod of covenant |
| Lychguard | Dynastic bodyguard | Warscythe or sword and board |
| Immortal | Battleline | Gauss blaster or tesla carbine |
How they fit into Necron lore
The Triarch dates back to before the Necrons became machines. When the Silent King led the biotransference deal with the C’tan, the Triarch was the ruling body that signed off on it. Praetorians are a link to that era, a reminder of what was sacrificed.
They’re not loyal to any one dynasty. That makes them unusual among Necrons, who are usually bound to their own lords. Praetorians can show up anywhere the Triarch’s business takes them, which makes them both respected and feared.
Key facts
- Triarch Praetorians are elite Necron guardians who serve the Triarch, the three rulers of the Necron dynasties.
- They act as bodyguards, enforcers, and messengers, and they can judge whether a dynastic ruler is worthy.
- Their signature weapon is the rod of covenant, effective at range and in melee.
- They’re among the oldest Necrons, dating back to before biotransference.
- Unlike most Necrons, they’re not bound to a single dynasty, so they can show up anywhere the Triarch sends them.
FAQ
Are Triarch Praetorians loyal to the Silent King?
They serve the Triarch as a whole, and the Silent King is part of that Triarch. So yes, they ultimately answer to him, but their duty is to the institution, more than one leader.
How do Triarch Praetorians differ from Lychguard?
Lychguard protect a specific dynastic lord. Praetorians protect the Triarch and enforce its will across all dynasties. They’re more independent and often operate alone or in small teams.
Can Triarch Praetorians be used in any Necron army?
On the tabletop, they’re a Necron unit you can include in your army. In lore, they can appear alongside any dynasty because their loyalty is to the Triarch, not the local lord.