Warlocks are the Aeldari’s battle-psykers: Seers who once walked the Path of the Warrior and now use that combat experience to hurl psychic destruction while shielding their kin. They’re the most respected of the Seers after the Farseers, and they’re a big reason Aeldari warhosts hit so hard.
What a Warlock actually is
Every Aeldari is psychically sensitive, and those who pursue that gift walk the Path of the Seer. Most stay peaceful and never weaponise their powers. A few develop their foresight and psychic strength far beyond their peers, and those become Warlocks.
What sets them apart is that they’ve already walked the Path of the Warrior. That prior life as an Aspect Warrior is what lets them channel destructive psychic power without losing themselves to it. Warlocks are the most bellicose of the Seers, and only Farseers outrank them in raw potency.
Warlocks sit between the ordinary Seers and the Farseers on the Path of the Seer. They’re the ones who took a detour through the Path of the Warrior and came back with something dangerous. That combination, warrior and seer in one mind, is what the blood ritual represents, and it’s why they’re respected above other Seers. They’ve proven they can hold both halves together.
The mask and the blood ritual
A Warlock’s enclosed helmet isn’t just wargear. It’s kept in the shrines of the Warrior Aspects, and a Seer has to go back to their old shrine to receive it from an Exarch.
Accepting the mask is a choice, not an obligation. It’s part of an Aspect Warrior blood ritual, and it splits the Seer’s mind into two parts: the self and the warrior. They can refuse without shame, and they only accept if they feel ready to fight.
How they fight
On the battlefield, Warlocks usually lead Guardian squads, using psychic might to protect their comrades and blast enemies apart. They wield force weapons and have learned the runes of battle.
They also serve as bodyguards for Farseers, who’ve lost themselves so deeply on the Path of the Seer that they need protection. Few psykers of other races can match a Warlock one-on-one, which is a big part of why other races think twice about provoking the Aeldari.
In the background, Warlocks are those who’ve walked the Witch Path but stepped back before losing themselves to it. They’re still connected to the warp, but they haven’t become as detached as Farseers. Some accompany Craftworld war hosts, while others join Corsair bands or Harlequin troupes.
- Lead Guardian squads into battle
- Guard Farseers as bodyguards
- Wield force weapons and battle runes
- Shield allies and unleash psychic blasts
Warlocks vs Farseers
Farseers are the master psykers, focused on seeing and shaping the future. Warlocks are more direct, using their powers in the heat of battle. Both are powerful, but Warlocks trade some psychic mastery for combat ability. They’re the ones you’ll see leading from the front.
On the tabletop, Warlocks are psykers with a mix of offensive and defensive powers. They can smite, buff allies, or debuff enemies, and they’re no slouches in melee either. They usually come with a witchblade or singing spear, giving them a solid close-combat punch. They can be taken as a single model or as a conclave, which amplifies their psychic output. Their powers include Runes of Battle, which often have two modes: one to help friends, one to hurt foes. They’re fragile compared to dedicated combat characters, so positioning matters.
| Aspect | Warlock | Farseer |
|---|---|---|
| Psychic mastery | Moderate | High |
| Combat skill | High | Low |
| Typical role | Battle-psyker, squad leader | Support, divination |
Key facts
- Warlocks are Aeldari Seers who previously walked the Path of the Warrior
- They’re the most respected Seers after Farseers in psychic potency
- They typically lead Guardian squads and sometimes guard Farseers
- Their enclosed helmets are kept in Aspect Warrior shrines and received from an Exarch
- Accepting the mask is voluntary and splits the mind into self and warrior
- They use force weapons and the runes of battle
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Warlock and a Farseer?
Warlocks are battle-psykers who haven’t fully committed to the seer path, while Farseers are the master diviners. Warlocks fight on the front lines; Farseers guide from behind.
Are Warlocks stronger than Farseers?
No. Warlocks are the most respected of the Seers, but their power is second only to the Farseers. Farseers are the ones who’ve lost themselves completely on the Path of the Seer.
Why do Warlocks wear helmets?
The helmet is a Warlock mask kept in an Aspect Warrior shrine. Receiving it from an Exarch is part of a blood ritual that creates a split between the Seer’s self and their warrior side.
Can a Seer refuse to become a Warlock?
Yes. When offered the mask, a Seer can turn it down, and doing so brings no shame. They only accept if they feel able to fight.
Can Warlocks be taken in squads?
Yes, they can be taken individually or as a conclave of multiple Warlocks, which amplifies their psychic output.