Necron Lords are the undying commanders of the Necron armies, ruling Tomb Worlds and leading legions in battle. They answer to Overlords or Phaerons but are terrifying opponents in their own right, wielding ancient technology and commanding vast forces. Sometimes called Nomarchs, they are the backbone of the Necron military hierarchy, serving as both administrators and formidable warriors whose ancient malice fills enemies with dread.
Role and command
A Necron Lord takes orders from an Overlord or Phaeron and serves in their Royal Court. They direct battles, oversee the day-to-day functions of a Tomb World, and command vast legions of Necron warriors. Some Overlords have many Lords under their command.
They’re more than middle management. A Necron Lord is a formidable fighter in their own right, often seen in crumbling vestments and wielding ancient staffs. On the battlefield they’re a chilling sight, with empty eye sockets lit by soulless fires. They often command their forces to attack in eerie silence, which only makes them more unnerving.
Less sophisticated Lords sometimes serve as Helmsmen, piloting vehicles like Ghost Arks instead of commanding from the front. Most, however, are battle leaders directing the silent, relentless advance of the Necron war machine.
- Serve under Overlords and Phaerons in the Royal Court
- Rule individual Tomb Worlds on behalf of greater dynasties
- Command legions and direct battles with chilling silence
- Can be relegated to piloting vehicles if deemed less capable
Wargear and armament
The standard weapon for a Necron Lord is a Staff of Light, but many upgrade to a Warscythe, Hyperphase Sword, or Voidblade. They also commonly carry Resurrection Orbs, which help nearby Necrons reanimate or repair damaged units on the battlefield. Their wargear is ancient and arcane, a reminder of the technological mastery their race once possessed.
| Wargear | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Staff of Light | Standard ranged and melee weapon |
| Warscythe | Heavy close-combat weapon |
| Hyperphase Sword | Powerful melee blade |
| Voidblade | Melee weapon that phases through armour |
| Resurrection Orb | Enhances reanimation protocols for nearby units |
Specialist variations
Not all Necron Lords are the same. Some command specialist War Cells, while others have succumbed to different fates. These variations represent the diverse roles and degenerations that can befall a Lord over the millennia.
- Harbinger of Awakening: leads a Resurrection War Cell
- Harbinger of Night: heads a Shroudweaver War Cell
- Harbinger of the Storm: commands a Stormcaller War Cell
- Vargard: bodyguard, cohort commander, and equerry to an Overlord
- Lokhust Lord: has succumbed to the Destroyer Cult and gained a Destroyer body
- Skorpekh Lord: member of the Skorpekh subsect of the Destroyer Cult
- Flayer King: driven mad by the Flayer Virus, leads packs of Flayed Ones
Notable Necron Lords
Several Necron Lords have left their mark on the galaxy. Aetehk the Watcher leads armies that often clash with Chaos, and it’s said that weapons used by his forces destroy the very souls of those they kill. The Herald of Dismay was part of the Nodal Command at the Damnos Incident. The Herald of the Storm was entombed beneath Medusa VII and awoke as the Fall of Medusa V began.
Obyron is the Vargard of the Sautekh Dynasty and the faithful protector of Zahndrekh. Oltyx is a disgraced exiled lord of the Ithakas Dynasty. Other named Lords include Henghast Zo of the Xonthar Dynasty and Illmahnokh of the Suhbekhar Dynasty. There’s also the Necron Lord of All Kaurava, who rose from his tomb on Kaurava III.
Key facts
- Necron Lords, sometimes called Nomarchs, are noble commanders who serve Overlords and Phaerons and rule Tomb Worlds.
- They lead Necron legions and are fearsome fighters in their own right, attacking in eerie silence.
- Standard armament is a Staff of Light, often upgraded to Warscythe, Hyperphase Sword, or Voidblade, and they commonly carry Resurrection Orbs.
- Specialist variations include Harbingers of Awakening, Night, and the Storm, each leading a specific War Cell.
- Some Lords fall to the Destroyer Cult (Lokhust and Skorpekh Lords) or the Flayer Virus (Flayer Kings).
- Notable Lords include Aetehk the Watcher, the Herald of Dismay, Obyron, and Oltyx.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a Necron Lord and an Overlord?
An Overlord is higher in rank and can command entire dynasties with multiple Necron Lords. Lords serve in the Overlord’s court, rule Tomb Worlds on their behalf, and lead armies in battle.
Can a Necron Lord become a Flayer King?
Yes. A Necron Lord afflicted by the Flayer Virus can degenerate into a Flayer King, a tragic fate that turns them into a crazed creature leading packs of Flayed Ones.
What’s a Vargard?
A Vargard is a type of Necron Lord who serves as a cohort commander, bodyguard, and equerry to an Overlord. They’re fiercely loyal and often seen at their master’s side, with Obyron, protector of Zahndrekh, being the most famous example.