Decided I'd do a character, both to contribute this thread and so that my Eldar (forces of Zesh-Kal) have an Autarch.
Let's go through the basics. His name is Iraesuvith, he is an Autarch, having travelled the paths of the regular Aspects common to all Craftworlds, as well as the ones more particular to Zesh-Kal, such as the
Crushing Hounds, Blade Ghosts, Sonic Reavers, and more (I take the approach that in as massive a ship as a Craftworld, there would be much distinct culture, and consequently, many Warrior Aspects beyond simply those common to all Craftworlds). He was, prior to his injuries, a mighty warrior. And above all else, he was a brilliant tactician and strategist. He understood all nuances of using Aspect Warriors and mighty engines of Vaul. He learned the minds of alien species, of Tau and Ork and Human and more. He was the ideal Autarch.
Yet he suffered a fatal flaw, and that was pride. So well was he regarded by his peers, and so capable in battle, that he grew over-confident. He saw all other species as inferior, and over time, as so many enemies fell before him, began to believe himself invincible. It was a deadly error, for he was not an Exarch, he was not a Menshad Korum. And so it was that he at last encountered enemies who he could not defeat. He was ambushed by the Deathwatch while defending an Exodite world. Iraesuvith was taken prisoner, and his army were left without guidance, eventually forced to fall back by Imperial forces. The Exodite villages were destroyed, their world taken and colonised by the Imperium.
For several months, Farseer Iyethilae of Zesh-Kal sought to find him, and while he searched, Iraesuvith was held by the Ordo Xenos. His flesh was cut open, for torture and investigation, while psykers tore through his mind. The ordeal permanently damaged his nervous system, giving him difficulty moving. He would barely be able to walk, let alone fight.
Yet, at last, Iyethilae managed to track down the Inquisitors to their base, wherein Iraesuvith was held. It was a well-defended fortress, and a ground assault would likely cost many lives. Yet their defenders were Deathwatch Space Marines and Inquisitorial stormtroopers, and there was one method of attack which they could not counter. Iyethilae ordered the deployment of one of Zesh-Kal's titan clans, the Infinite Storm. The clan leader, Kealaryth, assented, for they had not waged war since Iraesuvith was taken, and she was eager to bring her clan to battle once more.
The mighty engines of Vaul struck. With pulsars and sonic lances, they demolished the surface of the Inquisitorial fortress, the pitiful weapons of the humans doing nothing against the wraithbone titans. Iyethilae then sent a force of Howling Banshees and Crushing Hounds to scour the lower levels. The Imperial forces stood little chance, dying to the agile blades of the Howling Banshees and torn apart by the brutal gravity flails of the Crushing Hounds.
Iraesuvith was recovered, yet Iyethilae learned, to his horror, what had become of him. The autarch was near death from his ordeal. His injuries were horrific, casting in doubt whether he would even survive, and Iyethilae wondered if it would not be more merciful to let him join the Infinity Circuit. Considering the final fate of Craftworld Zesh-Kal, it was fortunate indeed that he did not.
Iraesuvith did, eventually, manage to recover. Yet he could not fight - the damage the Ordo Xenos had done to him was permanent. Fortunately, his mind was intact.
He requested the creation of tools to help him continue command. The artisans of Zesh-Kal crafted an anti-grav throne upon which he could sit, equipped with a holograhic generator to show him the battlefield and allow him to direct his troops.
He had learned the folly of pride, though the lesson had cost him dearly. So ends the story of Iraesuvith, the crippled autarch of Zesh-Kal.
Physical characteristics:
- Wears no armour, merely a simple robe in the black-and-white colours of Zesh-Kal.
- No hair.
- Skin is disfigured and maimed, with burn marks and scars running across his entire body, including his face.
- Wears a breath mask, as his lungs require carefully filtered air. Mask covers his jaws as well as his nose (which was cut off).
- No ears; they were cut off. Mask extends back and covers these as well, with auditory filters.
- Can barely even walk on his own, usually remains seated.
- Sits on an antigravity throne that generates a view of the battlefield (since he tries to avoid entering the battle itself). Accompanied by a bodyguard of Exarchs, a Farseer to advise him and communicate his orders to the troops (Iraesuvith cannot speak, and must communicate psychically), and usually a younger Autarch or two to learn from his techniques.
Strength:
Brilliant tactician and strategist.
Weakness:
Crippled, cannot fight, can barely do anything physical on his own.
Tabletop representation would be best as some form of boost to the player's units. Iraesuvith would avoid direct combat, so there would be no model, simply that bonus (movement speed? damage?) as a representation of his guidance.
