The Wraithseer is a rare Eldar wraith construct animated by the spirit stone of a deceased warlock or seer. It’s a ghost that still commands, leading spirit hosts in battle and wielding psychic powers no living Eldar can match.
What is the wraithseer?
A Wraithseer is a unique wraithbone construct powered by the soul of a dead Eldar seer, not an ordinary warrior. Where a wraithguard holds a common Eldar spirit and a wraithlord a mighty hero, the wraithseer’s matrix contains a warlock or other powerful psyker.
That difference matters. The seer keeps much of their former power and instincts, so the construct fights with the same cunning it had in life. It leads other wraith constructs wordlessly, perceiving the battlefield with a clarity that living Eldar often lack.
Why the wraithseer matters
In the 41st millennium, very few wraithseers still walk among the craftworlds. The spiritseers are believed to have lost the knowledge to create new ones, which makes every wraithseer irreplaceable.
On the tabletop and in lore, a wraithseer is a force multiplier. It doesn’t just fight; it directs ghost warriors, shields allies, and breaks enemy morale with psychic dread. Losing one is a strategic blow, more than a casualty.
Powers and wargear
Every wraithseer carries a wraithspear and wraithshield. For ranged fire, it can take a bright lance, scatter laser, Eldar missile launcher, starcannon, or D-cannon.
Its psychic abilities are potent because its mind isn’t clouded by the Warp the way a living Eldar’s is. It can tap deeper reserves of power. Known tricks include filling enemies with the terror of death, energising nearby spirit stones to inspire ghost warriors, and twisting fate to protect itself and its charges. It also uses psychic runes, though far larger than those of a living seer.
Notable wraithseers
A few names survive in Eldar records. Kayduin of Biel-Tan, Kelmon Firesight of Iyanden, Teluethiar of Iyanden, and Ydric the Wise of Iyanden are among the known wraithseers.
- Kayduin of Biel-Tan
- Kelmon Firesight of Iyanden
- Teluethiar of Iyanden
- Ydric the Wise of Iyanden
Origins and older variants
The wraithseer concept has roots in fan material. The Citadel Journal 36 featured a wraithlord variant called the Phantom Seer, designed by Andy Coe, over a decade before the wraithseer appeared. The Phantom Seer had a shoulder-mounted warp cannon and optional flamer or shuriken catapult, and its body was covered in protective runes.
That said, fan publications like this aren’t always considered official background, so treat the Phantom Seer as a curiosity rather than canon.
Key facts
- A wraithseer is a wraithbone construct powered by the spirit stone of a dead Eldar seer or warlock.
- It retains psychic powers and can lead other wraith constructs without a spiritseer.
- Wraithseers are extremely rare in the 41st millennium because the knowledge to create them is thought lost.
- Standard wargear is a wraithspear and wraithshield, with heavy weapon options like the D-cannon.
- Known wraithseers include Kayduin of Biel-Tan and Kelmon Firesight of Iyanden.
- The Phantom Seer was an earlier, non-canon wraithlord variant with a warlock spirit stone.
FAQ
What’s the difference between a wraithseer and a wraithlord?
A wraithlord holds the spirit of a mighty warrior, while a wraithseer holds a deceased warlock or seer. That means the wraithseer keeps psychic powers and leadership instincts, making it a commander rather than just a heavy hitter.
Can new wraithseers still be made?
Probably not. The spiritseers are believed to have lost the knowledge or skill to create them, which is why wraithseers are so rare and precious in the 41st millennium.
What weapons does a wraithseer use?
It always carries a wraithspear and wraithshield. It can also take a bright lance, scatter laser, Eldar missile launcher, starcannon, or D-cannon for ranged support.