As we move deeper into the Psychic Awakening previews, we’re seeing more and more models and clues. Check out everything we know so far.
As we’ve been seeing wave after wave of Psychic Awakening previews, we’ve got some new models spotted as well as an idea on how the universe is looking for the Eldar. With that said, we have yet to see any kind of “Psyker” model to appear. Here’s everything you need to know.
Clues on The Fate of the Aeldari
Going into succession from the oldest to newest, an Eldar named Ylocu Shaie has been saying some pretty depressing stuff. Here’s what he had to say with everything pieced together.
It really seems like the future of the Aeldari is looking bleak. And by the sounds of it, Slaanesh is ready to feast and the Dark Eldar (or the Aeldari under a black banner) are more twisted than ever and the fate of joining them might be worse than being eaten by Slaanesh.
Plastic Incubi Announced
Moving on to the new model line we’ve seen:
The Klaivex’s impassive mask somehow projects a murderous intent, while his wide, ready stance provides a real sense of menace. Attached to his armour’s rearing spines, you can see the smashed spirit stones of the Aspect Warriors that the Klaivex has cruelly plucked from those fallen to his blades. One of these sacred stones is mounted on his brow, represents the first spirit that the Klaivex claimed in battle and to grants him entry into the Incubi temple.
While Incubi might not be new, the fact that they are coming in plastic is a huge welcome. If you didn’t already know, the Incubi are an Elites section specific to the Dark Eldar that capitalize on melee combat. Just look at the size of that glaive.
Speaking of their weapons, the Demiklaives look to be like nothing has changed. You can get +1 Strength and an additional AP to help chew through Marine armor or eat up screens with S3 swings.
Howling Banshee Exarch Model
Helmeted Howling Banshee Exarch
Helmetless Howling Banshee Exarch
This new Howling Banshee Exarch is coming in plastic and is getting two kit options. You can go with a Craftworld look, showcasing the classic mask, or a Ynnari-focused appearance with their bare face showing. These models are also coming with interchangeable rules that can help them in-game depending on what they’re going against!
you can swap out your Exarch’s War Shout ability with one of six different Exarch Powers that are exclusive to the Howling Banshee shrine. For example, if you’re expecting to face some elite infantry such Terminators or Custodian Guards, try taking Piercing Strike, which will enable you to forsake one of your 3 Attacks for hugely empowered killing blows.
You can turn a relatively cheap Aeldari model into a combat specialist designed to kill off more-elite units by making his swings get +3 Strength and do 3 flat damage each. That’s enough to kill a Custode outright.
But wait, there’s more.
If you don’t want to swap out your War Shout ability (Opponents must subtract 1 from hit rolls in the fight phase against a unit with a Howling Banshee Exarch), you can just drop a CP on your Banshee Exarch to have him (or her) keep the rule as well as picking up another. Unfortunately, only one of your Exarchs will get to have this as it’s a once per game ability.
Finally, we first saw this regular Howling Banshee previewed during NOVA. It seems like Banshees are getting the plastic treatment across the board (which was much needed).
First previewed in some artwork on Psychic Awakening, it looks like Jain Zar is the first of what may be two Aeldari characters coming to the faction. We say first of two because of the little hint GW gave us.
In it, we can see some Howling Banshees battling a force of Incubi – Asuryani and Drukhari locked in mortal combat, just as they have been so many times since the Fall of their galaxy-spanning empire. Yet who are the mighty champions duelling at the centre of the illustration?
The incredible new miniature of Jain Zar will be on its way soon… as will her nemesis – who could that possibly be? You’ll have to tune in next Monday to find out!
Drazhar might still be in store for next week’s reveal, but for now let’s check out Jain Zar!
Rocking her iconic poofy red hair, the end of the ponytail is where she’s attached to her base. That just helps create an awesome mid-air attack pose. She’s still got her iconic weapon, Triskele with her as well.
Warhammer Community didn’t just preview her model. They also gave us a special rule for her as well. Storm of Silence lets her become a blender for tarpits. If she finds herself in a swarm of Termagants, Orks, or Cultists, she’ll be able to clear out more than a handful each attack phase.
Old Jain Zar model from 1994
It’s no question that this update needed to happen. Moving into a scaled-up plastic model, Banshees have never looked so good!
What are your thoughts on everything with Psychic Awakening so far? Do the Eldar need to join forces to defeat Slaanesh? Or will Yvrainne just end up calling the Ultramarines to get them out of the tight spot? Let us know in the comments of our Facebook Hobby Group, and sign up to get your free hobby updates newsletter (with discount coupon codes) each morning as well!
About the Author: Rob Baer
Rob Baer
Job Title: Managing Editor
Founded Spikey Bits in 2009
Socials: Rob Baer on Facebook and @catdaddymbg on X
About Rob Baer: Founder, Publisher, & Managing Editor of Spikey Bits, the leading tabletop gaming news website focused on the hobby side of wargaming and miniatures.
Rob also co-founded and currently hosts the Long War Podcast, which has over 350 episodes and focuses on tabletop miniatures gaming, specializing in Warhammer 40k. and spent six years writing for Bell of Lost Souls.
Every year, along with his co-hosts, he helps host the Long War 40k Doubles Tournament at Adepticon and the Long War 40k Doubles at Las Vegas Open, which attracts over 350 players from around the world.
Rob has won many Warhammer 40k Tournaments over the years, including multiple first-place finishes in Warhammer 40k Grand Tournaments over the years and even winning 1st place at the Adepticon 40k Team Tournament.
With over 30 years of experience in retail and distribution, Rob knows all the products and exactly which ones are the best. As a member of GAMA (Game Manufacturers Association), he advocates for gaming stores and manufacturers in these difficult times, always looking for the next big thing to feature for the miniatures hobby, helping everyone to provide the value consumers want.
While he’s played every edition of Warhammer 40k and Warhammer Fantasy (since 5th Edition) and has been hobbying on miniatures since the 1980s, Titans of all sizes will always be his favorite! It’s even rumored that his hobby vault rivals the Solemnance Galleries, containing rulebooks filled with lore from editions long past, ancient packs of black-bordered Magic Cards, and models made of both pewter and resin.
