The Wraithlord is a massive Aeldari war construct made of wraithbone, piloted by the soul of a dead hero. It’s a key unit for Craftworld armies, blending raw power with tragic lore.
What is the wraithlord?
The Wraithlord is a giant wraith construct, essentially a robotic shell animated by the spirit of a deceased Aeldari warrior. It towers over living Aeldari, armed with heavy weapons and built for brutal combat.
These constructs are created by taking a spirit stone from the Infinity Circuit and placing it into the Wraithlord’s forehead. The soul inside retains its combat instincts, so a Wraithlord that favoured melee in life will still charge into close quarters.
- Made of wraithbone, a psycho-plastic material that responds to psychic energy.
- Piloted by the soul of a dead Aeldari hero, not a living pilot.
- Known as Eldar Dreadnoughts in older lore.
How does a wraithlord fight?
Wraithlords are walking tanks. They typically carry two power fists, with flamers or shuriken cannons mounted on the sides. Some are equipped with heavier weapons like scatter lasers, missile launchers, bright lances, or starcannons.
Their fighting style often reflects the soul inside. A former close-combat specialist might wield a ghostglaive, while a ranged expert could hang back and lay down fire. This makes each Wraithlord a bit unpredictable.
| Weapon | Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Power fist | Melee | Standard on most Wraithlords |
| Shuriken cannon | Ranged | Often side-mounted |
| Bright lance | Ranged | Anti-tank |
| Ghostglaive | Melee | For close-combat souls |
The curse of wraithsight
Because the soul inside a Wraithlord exists partly in the warp, it can’t perceive the real world as clearly as a living being. This condition is called wraithsight, and it makes Wraithlords slower to react or sometimes freeze entirely.
To counter this, a Spiritseer must stay nearby to guide the construct. Without one, a Wraithlord is a powerful but unreliable asset.
Variants and notable wraithlords
The most common variant is the Wraithseer, which holds the spirit stone of a powerful Warlock. It keeps some psychic abilities and acts as a leader among wraith constructs.
There’s also a Harlequin Wraithlord, a rare version used by the Harlequins. Famous Wraithlords include Khiraen Goldhelm of Ulthwé and Toralven Gravesong of Iyanden.
- Wraithseer: a Warlock’s soul, retains psychic powers.
- Harlequin Wraithlord: used by the Harlequins, very rare.
- Notable: Khiraen Goldhelm, Toralven Gravesong, Aethor.
Key facts
- The Wraithlord is a wraithbone construct piloted by a dead Aeldari’s soul.
- It’s armed with power fists and heavy weapons, chosen to match the soul’s preferences.
- Wraithsight makes them sluggish without a Spiritseer nearby.
- Variants include the psychic Wraithseer and rare Harlequin Wraithlords.
- Notable Wraithlords: Khiraen Goldhelm, Toralven Gravesong, Rahinet.
FAQ
What is a Wraithlord in Warhammer 40k?
It’s a large Aeldari war construct made of wraithbone, piloted by the soul of a dead hero. It serves as a heavy combat unit for Craftworld armies.
How is a Wraithlord different from a Dreadnought?
Unlike Space Marine Dreadnoughts, which contain a living pilot, a Wraithlord is animated by a spirit stone taken from the Infinity Circuit. It’s more like a ghost in a machine.
What is wraithsight?
Wraithsight is a condition where the soul inside a Wraithlord can’t fully perceive the real world, making it slow to act. A Spiritseer nearby can guide it.