Human Necron Warriors: A Grimdark Homebrew Army Idea
Introduction
Hey guys! Have you ever thought about the grim darkness of the far future and wondered about the possibilities within the Warhammer 40,000 universe? I've been diving deep into the lore and thinking about some really cool homebrew army concepts. One idea that's been rattling around in my skull is a Necron army with a unique twist: Human Necron Warriors. Yes, you heard that right! Imagine the cold, unyielding power of the Necrons fused with the remnants of humanity. This isn’t just about slapping a human face on a Necron body; it’s about exploring the lore implications, the visual potential, and the gameplay mechanics that could make such an army a fascinating addition to any tabletop battlefield. This concept is not just a simple reskin; it's a reimagining of the Necrons, blending their ancient, metallic essence with the tragic remnants of humanity. The core of this idea lies in the fusion of Necron technology and human physiology, resulting in warriors who are neither fully human nor entirely Necron. This opens up a rich tapestry of lore possibilities, from the reasons behind this transformation to the unique abilities and psychological impacts it might have on these warriors. We can delve into the history of a lost human colony, perhaps one that encountered the Necrons in ages past and suffered a fate far worse than death. Or perhaps it's the result of a desperate experiment by a rogue Cryptek, seeking to transcend the limitations of both flesh and metal. This exploration of lore is crucial, as it provides the foundation for everything else, from the visual design of the army to the rules and gameplay mechanics that will govern them on the tabletop.
The Lore: A Twisted Fate
So, how did this happen? That's the big question, right? We need some juicy lore to back this up. Let's consider a few possibilities. Maybe a Necron Cryptek, obsessed with the frailties of flesh but also intrigued by its resilience, conducted twisted experiments on humans. Picture a clandestine facility on a forgotten world, where captured humans are subjected to the agonizing process of biotransference, their bodies fused with Necron technology. Or perhaps a human colony, desperate to survive, made a dark pact with the Necrons, offering their bodies as hosts in exchange for protection. Imagine the grim irony – humanity, seeking salvation, becoming the very thing they feared. The lore could also explore the psychological impact on these Human Necron Warriors. Are they mindless drones, or do they retain fragments of their former selves? Do they yearn for the warmth of life they once knew, or are they consumed by cold, unfeeling logic? This internal conflict could be a rich source of narrative possibilities, both on and off the tabletop. Perhaps some warriors exhibit glitches in their programming, moments of human emotion flickering across their metallic visages. Or maybe a charismatic leader emerges, attempting to reconcile their human past with their Necron present, leading to a schism within the ranks. These lore elements are not just window dressing; they are the heart and soul of a homebrew army, providing the context and motivation for the way they look, fight, and interact with the wider universe. This unique origin story not only sets the stage for visually distinct miniatures but also opens up avenues for unique gameplay mechanics. Imagine rules that reflect the internal conflict of these warriors, perhaps granting them temporary bursts of speed or ferocity fueled by repressed human emotions, followed by periods of cold, calculated efficiency. The possibilities are endless, and it's this creative freedom that makes homebrewing such an exciting aspect of the Warhammer 40,000 hobby.
Possible Origins
- Twisted Experiments: A rogue Cryptek's obsession with flesh and metal leads to horrific experimentation.
- Desperate Pact: A human colony makes a deal with the Necrons for survival, paying the ultimate price.
- Ancient Curse: A colony ship stumbles upon a tomb world, triggering a biotransference plague.
The Look: Blending Flesh and Metal
Visually, these Human Necron Warriors would be a horrifying blend of flesh and metal. Think exposed human musculature interwoven with Necrodermis, the metallic skin of the Necrons. Imagine skeletal faces peering out from within metallic helmets, eyes glowing with an eerie green light. We're not talking about a clean, polished look here. This should be grim, gritty, and unsettling. Picture the miniatures adorned with tattered remnants of clothing, hinting at their former lives. The Necrodermis might be cracked and scarred, revealing the decaying flesh beneath. This visual contrast between the cold, unyielding metal and the fragile, decaying flesh is key to conveying the tragic nature of these warriors. Think about the details: exposed spines fused with metallic vertebrae, fingers and toes tipped with Necron claws, and perhaps even the occasional glimpse of internal organs encased in metallic cages. The color scheme could play a significant role in conveying the mood of the army. A pallid, almost ghostly flesh tone contrasted with the traditional metallic hues of the Necrons would create a striking visual impact. Perhaps the Necrodermis could be rusted and tarnished, reflecting the ancient and corrupted nature of these warriors. This visual design should not only be aesthetically striking but also tell a story. Each miniature should be a miniature work of art, conveying the horror and tragedy of their existence. The pose, the details, the paint job – all should contribute to the overall narrative of the army. Consider the weapons they wield. Are they standard Necron gauss weaponry, or have they been modified with human ingenuity? Perhaps they carry crude, makeshift melee weapons, reflecting a desperate struggle for survival. The visual possibilities are endless, and the key is to create a cohesive and compelling aesthetic that captures the essence of this unique army concept.
Visual Inspiration
- Exposed Musculature: Imagine the flayed skin of a Flayed One, but interwoven with metal.
- Skeletal Faces: Necron heads with visible human skulls beneath the metallic plating.
- Tattered Remnants: Fragments of human clothing clinging to the metallic bodies.
Gameplay Mechanics: Unique Rules and Abilities
Now, let's get to the fun part: how would these guys play on the tabletop? We need some unique rules and abilities that reflect their hybrid nature. Maybe they have a rule called