Holographic Technology, Primitive Societies, and Realspace Raids

Hi All,

I understand that Eldar have a very detailed understanding of holographic technology and often employ such technology in their war machines and in some cases personal war gear. Just how good are we talking here? I was looking at The Wild Hunt (Åsgårdsreien) and thought about how primitive societies would perceive a Dark Eldar raid. I was also thinking of something suitably evil and impractical mad Archon like myself would do to spread terror. I concluded using holographic technology to create an appropriate "Ragnarok" or "Apocalypse" event would be really cool.

Is this feasible from a fluff perspective? And if so, what specific works of art would you suggest I look at? Could be something from our own world or the 40k universe.

Thank you in advance.

I guess it would be theoretically posible. It does say that at the pinacle of eldar decadence they could command the suns! Thats pretty high tech! I guess you could tie it in to biblical stories such as the plagues on egypt, river running red with blood etc Or just go whole hog ridiculous and say that the dinosaurs were actually tyrannids...

presonally why would they need the tech??? A DE raid would probably be considered the apocalypse for those who dont know better to begin with. If the Archon wanted to though, I dont see why he couldnt. Its just who cares at that point.

Alright, it was late night post and clearly no one is as taken with the idea as I was when I was looking at pictures of the Wild Hunt. Still, I'm interested in seeing new art and the conversation in general.

Shadows Revenge wrote:

presonally why would they need the tech??? A DE raid would probably be considered the apocalypse for those who dont know better to begin with. If the Archon wanted to though, I dont see why he couldnt. Its just who cares at that point.

It's not really a question of need. There are a lot of Archons that do things just because they have some weird compulsion. Two examples. First, in Path of the Renegade

Spoiler:

. Second, in 995.M41 the Dark Eldar assisted Craftworld Iyaden "for the lolz." Clearly, practicality does not drive the Dark Eldar at all times.

But if you want to be practical about it, I suppose that employing holographic technology to cultivate and shape legends for future exploitation. I also imagine that it would really confuse Segmentum Command or any Inquisitor trying to figure out what's going on.

If not use holographic technology, then why not use a more widely employed version of the toxin used in Torment Grenade? You would basically be raiding a population that's "on a bad trip." If they feed off of fear and pain, then wouldn't this be feed the troops exquisitely and make the entire raid less costly overall?

Grub wrote:

Or just go whole hog ridiculous and say that the dinosaurs were actually tyrannids

How many feral world societies actually survive a Tyranid invasion without the patronage of the Space Marines?

if you want to talk about myths about dark eldar. If I remember right the BRB has one where a planet gets raided every 25 years, to which the dark eldar are called "shadow warriors" and they (the dark eldar) only take those that are out in the streets. Like I said they could cause myths in primatives... but noramlly just them attacking is enough to scar the population for life (as in this case, and that isnt even a primative world, its an agi-world with constant contact with the Imperium)

I wouldn't be adverse to that kind of conversation at all. I just found the Old Codex and have started reading it. I would be appreciative if you you direct me to other sources.

I think it's a very striking and perfectly plausible idea that some mad Archon would shape their raids to match the fears of the worlds they attack. I think one has to remember, these are people not used to being told "no" If an Archon fancies doing something then their Kabal will be made to move heaven and earth to get it.

By seeming to embody the mythic horrors the Dark Eldar would gain several things, some more intangible than others:

+ Playing god, always an enjoyable game for the Ynneas Eladrith, as they stalk their prey in mythic guise. It's an ego trip, just the sort of excursion an Archon enjoys. Haemonculi aren't averse to this either - if you want to go beyond holographic technology I'm sure a Haemie could make you some 'real' mythic beasts.

+ Seeing how perfect they can make the deception - useful as well as fun, because techniques refined here could be useful at home against rival Kabals.

+ Driving one's prey to an exquisite pitch of terror as you embody their racial nightmares - the true architect of pain (read: mad Archon) should be able to play their subjects' fears like a violin.

+ Never mind practicality. Any fool can scare a few unworthy souls - you are giving them a gift. It's art.


Just my thoughts on this, thanks for the interesting post


TL;DR: Hell yeah.

Moving this to Background...

Lady Malys wrote:

Any fool can scare a few unworthy souls - you are giving them a gift. It's art.

For some reason, I seriously love this comment. A true Dark Eldar mastermind. Anyway, I agree that Dark Eldar could indeed deploy mass holograms of whatever it is they want to create. Is that not what they do anyway with some of their technology like clone fields? I'm sure it's plausible that some mad Archon could modify the raiders and such to emit holographic, terrifying images.....hmm that's not a bad idea.

There is a Kabal (the Broken Sigil) that specialises in terror tactics, doing stuff like releasing hallucinogenic gasses prior to their invasion in orger to make the defenders see the raiding force as their worst nightmares. Their archon makes an appearance in Path of the Renegade, riding a sky-charior that emits terryfying holographic images and such. The same book also mentions that Dark Eldar ships' shadowfield and mimic engines let them appear like pretty much anything they want, with ships changing their image to look like Imperial vessels or mythical beasts.

Nomic wrote:

There is a Kabal (the Broken Sigil) that specialises in terror tactics, doing stuff like releasing hallucinogenic gasses prior to their invasion in orger to make the defenders see the raiding force as their worst nightmares. Their archon makes an appearance in Path of the Renegade, riding a sky-charior that emits terryfying holographic images and such. The same book also mentions that Dark Eldar ships' shadowfield and mimic engines let them appear like pretty much anything they want, with ships changing their image to look like Imperial vessels or mythical beasts.

How did I miss that? Thanks for that!

I love the visual of a DE Wild Hunt. It even makes sense, just a Lord out having a gas of a time with some mates. Hunting and drinking for sport - the good life.

Personally, I'm placing my Archons Raider on top of the spirit host from the VC Coven Throne, to properly represent the Torment Grenade Launchers.

Aroshamash wrote:

Personally, I'm placing my Archons Raider on top of the spirit host from the VC Coven Throne, to properly represent the Torment Grenade Launchers.

If you can, please get pictures of that in a game.

That would look awesome, and I totally approve, but a bit pricey, no?

Honestly I want to buy that throne for bitz stealing myself. The lounging vampires are alsi useful methinks, and a bunch of the other bits too.

Still, GW has it listed at $61!? That's just silly... esp if you're only cannibalizing the model for conversions... idk, maybe thats just the cheap side of me talking XD

I learned to relax my cheap side when it comes to this hobby.

That said - I've wanted to do the conversions since...well, the model came out. I'm still saving for it within my gaming budget, but it will happen eventually.

That, and my desire to use that Night Goblin Giant Spider thing as an Apocalypse DE conversion.

Well, I'm also trying to use the actual Throne on the back of the Raider. After all, an Archon's gotta ride in style, and the two vampires look a hell of a lot like they could be some Lhamaeans. I've also got to convert up a reclining Archon model, so that he can join them resting on the throne.

Sure, it's not the most effective unit, or the easiest to hide, but dammit, some times you just gotta show off your style. If there's one thing the Dark Eldar have, it's pure, unrestrained narcissism.

Quote :

If there's one thing the Dark Eldar have, it's pure, unrestrained narcissism.

Now that's as good a reason to spend a small fortune on models as any Dark Eldar would ever need

Quote :

Sure, it's not the most effective unit, or the easiest to hide, but dammit, some times you just gotta show off your style. If there's one thing the Dark Eldar have, it's pure, unrestrained narcissism.

XD I can get behind that!

Make sure you post pics when you're done!

As a side note, I think we just got the first nomination for quote of the year.

Hehe, thanks guys. Well, I can try to get some photos of the Raider on top of the spirit host soon, but definitely not of the Throne. I'm still trying to figure out the best way to attach it. So far, I've flattened out the bottom of the Throne, and have clipped the top off the keel of the Raider, and I'll have the Throne as an extension back from where the pilot stands. From my test positioning, the spirit host is exactly the right length to balance the Raider on, though, so that part'll work with no problems.