The Asuryani, also called Craftworld Eldar, are Aeldari who escaped the Fall by living aboard giant starships called Craftworlds. They’re one of the most distinct factions in Warhammer 40k because they don’t rule planets at all. They drift through the galaxy on the Webway, trying to keep their species alive.
Who they are
The Asuryani are an ancient, elf-like humanoid race and kin to the Drukhari and other Aeldari. They live aboard vast ships known as Craftworlds and travel the galaxy using the Webway, a network of extra-dimensional tunnels.
Each Craftworld has its own heritage, history and goals. Some are reclusive, others are notorious. They’re unique among the galaxy’s major factions because they’re entirely void-faring, with no homeworld to defend.
Why the Craftworlds exist
Long ago, the Craftworlds were trading vessels of the Aeldari Dominion. Missions could keep a Craftworld away from home for centuries, and that distance bred independence.
That independence saved them. When the civilisation of the Aeldari homeworlds collapsed into the Fall and Slaanesh was born, the Craftworlds were far enough away to see the rot spreading. In the final weeks, returning Craftworlds rescued anyone they judged still sane. Those that didn’t escape in time were destroyed or dragged into the warp.
Culture and leadership
There’s no single leader of the Asuryani. Craftworlds may be allied, but each governs itself, whether through a Seer Council or a system of clan alliances.
Craftworlders live by the Paths, disciplines that focus the mind and keep the soul from Slaanesh’s reach. A Craftworlder can leave the path of Craftworld life to become an Outcast, a Corsair, or something else entirely.
- Path of the Warrior: Aspect Warriors, specialist warriors trained in a single style of war.
- Path of the Seer: psykers who guide the Craftworld and read the future.
- Path of the Outcast: those who leave Craftworld society behind, often becoming Rangers or Corsairs.
After the Great Rift
The formation of the Great Rift after the 13th Black Crusade hit the Craftworlds hard. Many suffered calamities, Chaos attacks, and civil strife.
Much of Asuryani society split over Ynnead, the god of the dead, and its growing cult, the Ynnari. Alaitoc is the only major Craftworld said to have escaped that discord.
Key facts
- The Asuryani are Aeldari who live aboard Craftworlds rather than on planets.
- They’re entirely void-faring, moving through the galaxy via the Webway.
- Their ancestors survived the Fall because trading voyages kept them far from the Aeldari homeworlds.
- They have no single leader; each Craftworld rules itself.
- Their warriors follow the Paths, including Aspect Warriors and Seers.
- After the Great Rift, many Craftworlds split over the Ynnari and the god Ynnead.
FAQ
Are the Asuryani the same as the Eldar?
Yes. Asuryani is the modern name for the faction once called Craftworld Eldar. They’re one kindred of the wider Aeldari race, alongside the Drukhari and others.
What is a Craftworld?
A Craftworld is a vast starship that serves as home, city and fortress for an Asuryani kindred. Each one has its own history, culture and goals.
Who leads the Asuryani?
No one. There’s no singular leader. Each Craftworld governs itself, often through a Seer Council or a system of clan alliances.