Several years ago, Games Workshop finally started taking bold steps to revamp one of its most popular factions: the Eldar, the slender, elven aliens that have been a staple of the tabletop game for nearly four decades. Despite the recent updates, the path of Eldari fashion still housed some of the oldest miniatures Games Workshop continued to offer – yet this year marks a significant turning point for that era.
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To kick off the excitement surrounding the forthcoming World Championships, Games Workshop has unveiled plans to comprehensively revise the Aeldari’s rulebook, laying the groundwork for a thrilling new era in their storied history. Besides the updated rulebook, a comprehensive collection of modern miniatures will accompany it, focusing on one of the many unique aspects of Aeldari tradition: the Facet Warriors, clans of elite operatives specialized in specific disciplines of martial thought, and their mythical, legendary leaders – the revered Phoenix Lords.
Despite their importance as fundamental components of Aeldari armies – albeit occasionally basic ones, Warhammer enthusiasts have grown accustomed to fielding these Facet Warriors in familiar guise, as Games Workshop continues to innovate and introduce new ways to engage fans. Until recently, many crucial aspects of Eldar fashion were grounded in designs that had remained largely unchanged for nearly two decades. Amongst the most antiquated and storied fashion lines were those inspired by the eight esteemed Facet Warrior archetypes: Howling Banshees, Hanging Scorpions, Swooping Hawks, Dire Avengers, Warp Spiders, Fire-Drakes, Dark Reapers, and Shining Spears. With many of these outmoded designs still being produced in metal or high-quality resin, and taking their sweet time to update them gradually over the years. In a major revamp, the Howling Banshees underwent a mannequin overhaul in 2019, marking a significant departure from their 2006 designs. Meanwhile, the Darkish Reapers and Shining Spears received updates as part of the 2022 line overhaul, with both models seeing changes to their 2006 and 1999 iterations, respectively. The Hanging Scorpions, however, were refreshed this year through the smaller-scaled skirmish game, once again departing from their 2006 designs.
Today’s information and technology enable the creation of accurate and detailed plastic miniatures for nearly every Warhammer 40k faction. The iconic miniatures of the Fireplace Dragons, Swooping Hawks, and Warp Spiders will undergo a modern makeover, replacing their original metal and resin kits from 2006, 2000, and ?, with sleek, up-to-date plastic multi-part models. Alongside these mainline squads, the corporation unveiled updates for their accompanying Phoenix Lords – elite hero models serving as the leaders of each Facet – including Fuegan, lord of the Fire Dragons; Baharroth, Swooping Hawks leader; and, in a first-time miniature release, Lhykis, lord of the Warp Spiders, joined by Asurmen, leader of the Dire Avengers.
The new character, Lhykis, stands out among this collection of miniatures that were reimagined in the fashion styles of 1994.
It is imperative that Video Games Workshop priced these virtually historic miniatures with the same level of pricing as its modern offerings, disregarding their ever-increasing age – a reality that left Aeldari gamers forced to accept this state of affairs while other factions enjoyed fresh new miniatures and updates. As a lifelong member of this faction, it’s fascinating to observe that, even as a fully-grown adult, I still engage in battles with the very same miniature figures I first acquired at age 10, when I first delved into tabletop gaming. It’s taken most of my lifetime for that perspective to shift.
Despite initial struggles, a sense of accomplishment has finally emerged. While some Eldar fashions have stood the test of time, others are showing their age – most notably, the Aspect Warriors, whose Dire Avengers haven’t received an update since 2006, and Karandras, chief of the Hanging Scorpion, remains the last un-updated Phoenix Lord at 30 years old (and counting)? With the upcoming guidelines for the faction set to debut in 2025, it’s only a matter of time before these remaining alien legends receive their long-overdue makeover – and we can’t wait to see them shine in their new plastic forms. As beautiful as these designs look in 2024, let’s hope they don’t remain stuck on shelves for decades to come; by the 2060s, it would be a relic of the past, not something to cherish. Despite the bleak outlook for the 21st century, a steady supply of fresh plastic soldiers must always be ensured.
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