Half-Eldar

“Half-Eldar”, or “Peredhel” in Eldar, are new species born of humanity and eldar thought a powerful program wrought on The Eldar of Craftworld Mal’ehtë. Neither fully eldar or human they are a true-breeding, stable, community of hybrids that fight against chaos the all who would destroy them.

The Gambit of the Golden Spear
The Eldar of Craftworld Mal’ehtë (Lit. “Golden Spear’) were faced with a tragic fate; Farseer Iarwain had plumbed the depths of the future and saw that it was inevitable that all eldar souls on their craftworld would be claimed by Slaanesh. With the help of a troupe of Harlequins the craftworld enacted a plan to ensure that there were no eldar souls on Craftworld Mal’ehtë when the time came.

Harlequins of the Last Laugh Troupe stole human genetic samples from a number of human worlds and in their labs of eldar scholars. Though they tried for many years they were unable to create a stable hybrid- human genetics were just too weak to sustain an eldar’s power. Only when they hit on the idea of using the already augmented human genetic structure as the basis were they able to create a theoretically stable idea. They would have to use astartes gene-seed to create their new breed of eldar.

The Battle of Sudden Flame
Knowing their only chance for survival was to harvest astartes gene-seed the Eldar launched a number of baiting raids on Imperial worlds. They called these raids “Dagor Bragollach” or “Battles of Sudden Flame” for the violence and speed with which they were carried out. They were careful to leave enough evidence to allow reprisals from the Imperium. Eventually they were confronted with forces from the [Redacted] chapter of the Adeptus Astartes. During the prolonged chess-match the space marines and the eldar fought across the system the Eldar captured or extracted the gene-seed from a number of marines.

Firstborn
Now armed with the gene-seed of the Astartes the Eldar of Craftworld Mal’ehtë were able to complete their project. The first born of the half-eldar, those who would one day be called “Lorhael” (lit. “Old Wise Ones”) were born from tanks. They were birthed with a process akin to the creation of a space marine scout and were comparable physically to one once they reached maturity. Their creation was the result of a powerful psychic ritual that involved the death of twenty eldar, including Farseer Iarwain. It is said the souls of these first twenty one eldar were the “spark” that gave life to these new bodies.

The Future of the Spear
The Eldar of Craftworld Mal’ehtë are a dying breed. They will, by their own soothsaying, be wiped out within a thousand years. They are being replaced by the Peredhel and have already been relegated to the role of “venerable ancestors”.

Path of the Outcast
Peredhel have no formal place in Asuryani society and thus are forced to adopt the Path of the Outcast. Because of this they often fall in with Eldar Corsairs, Rangers, and even Exodites. There are many Peredhel-only societies and fleets under their control are growing more numerous every day.

Anatomy and Physiology
Peredhel are about the same height as Eldar (~7 ft) but may grow larger depending on what kind of augmentations they receive (sometimes reaching 8 ft. tall). The have the lithe, clean, long bodies of an eldar with the more sturdy core of a human. They grow facial hair but have an ethereal grace about them that humans lack. Still, when compared to full-blooded eldar they are stockier, rougher, and have a more earthly nature about them. Their ears are not as pronounced and their facial features not quite as alien. Internally they are similar to humans, though their musculature is more akin to an eldar’s. Their minds are intelligent and elegant with amazing psychic potential (though hardly a glimmer compared to their eldar parents) but are tempered by the guttural cunning and determined warlike nature of humanity. Peredhel live 2-3 times as long as a human, though few have died of old age.

Peredhel mature slowly by human standards but quickly by eldar ones. They are, however, incomplete beings and must undergo the implantation process of several organs and artificial augments in order to survive; without them they would die by maturity.

Combat Potential
A fully trained Peredhel is comparable to a space marine scout or even an aspect warrior in combat. They are as graceful as an eldar, strong as a space marine, in tune with their innate psychic powers, and as willful as any Imperial. They are more numerous than any eldar raiding force, more organized than a guard platoon, and are as unpredictable as Eldar Corsairs.

For more information see: Peredhel Ranger Corps..

Wargrear
While they primarily employ Eldar weapons they have a fascination with Imperial wargear and trinkets. Many will use an eldar sword in one hand and an Imperial laspistol or multi-melta in the other. Their armor is an amalgam of Eldar and Imperial styles as they lack the full might of a full eldar’s natural psychic power. They use psycho-sensitive material in their armor to allow them to interface with it but have heavier plates and pauldrons to account for their modified role and physiology.

Organs
The organs implanted in a Peredhel are based on those implanted in a space marine but have been modified by eldar technology. While they are an exceptional creation the biology of their parents are incompatible. The need organs akin to those of an astartes just to regular their bodies odd chemistry and without them they would surely die.

In order of implanting they are:

1. Inglor (“Heart of Gold”): Akin to the astartes “Iron Heart”. This augment regulates their endocrine system and guides their growth to keep their body from going off the guided path. If a Peredhel did not have this their bodies would waste away or simply degenerate as the needs of eldar and human biology are totally different. The Inglor is implanted before puberty.

2a. Angrenost (“Iron Fortress”): Akin to the Biscopea, together with the Inglor this augments the physical strength of the Peredhel. This is installed at the same time as the Inglor and is actually a double organ. This organ is absent in those Peredhel who do not wish to pursue a martial path. Those who embark on such a path are sometimes called “angrenosi” as a result. One cannot have the Angrenost and the Curuhroa implanted.

2b. Curuhroa (“Witch Flesh”): A Peredhel who forsakes the angrenost implant has the Curuhroa installed. This small, tear-shaped augmentation is implanted in the chest and seems to be a conduit for warp energies that allow them greater control over their latent psychic potential. The Curuhroa is sometimes a dangerous implant however as Peredhel do not have the innate mastery of their eldar forebears; they attract warp energies even if they are not prepared for them. Those who are gifted with this are sometimes called “Curuni”. One cannot have the Angrenost and the Curuhroa implanted.

3. Seregon (“Blood Stone”): Akin to the astartes Haemastamen (blood maker), the Seregon serves a similar role in regulating the blood and its content within the Peredhel. The genetic makeup of the Peredhel would require an endless number of pills, rituals, and regular filterings to sustain their hybrid nature but the seregon regulates it for them.

4. Sovoírë (“Cleansing Desire”): This organ is somewhat akin to the Oolitic Kidney in that it regulates the waste and detoxification of the body. It also plays a role in regulating and expelling chemicals from the other organs as well as rendering the Peredhel immune to toxins or diseases. The Sovoírë also serves to supercharge their immune system to the point where it renders them immune to infections of any sort.

5. Tinwenairin (“Crowned with Stars”): This unique organ is a late stage organ that has a mysterious effect. What is known about it is that it regulars the brainwaves of the Peredhel. It is said to have spiritual powers and may play a role in translating human and eldar mental/emotional differences.

It should be noted that Peredhel lack any equivalent to the following astartes organs: Secondary Heart, Larraman's Organ, Catalepsean Node, Preomnor, Multi-lung, Lyman's Ear, Occulobe, Sus-an Membrane, Melanochrome, Neuroglottis, Mucranoid, Betcher's Gland, and Progenoid Glands. The secondary heart, multi-lung, and Lyman's ear would be somewhat redundant with their enhanced eldar physiology and their organs are grown outside their bodies so the Progenoid Glands are unnecessary. Peredhel wear something akin to aspect armor, which employs a psycho-sensitive material, affording them a similar sort of interface provided by the black carapace.

Relationships

 * Asuryani (Craftworld Eldar): The idea of having offspring with mon-keigh is sickening to most eldar. Many regard humans the way humans regard orks: dumb, warlike, impulsive, smelly, backwards, and a "very young race". As such, having offspring with a human (even artificially) is somewhat akin to a human having offspring with a gorilla or a pet in their minds. Some see the wisdom, however perverse, in creating a new kind of Eldar who will survive their doomed existence. Peredhel breed quicker, are heartier, grow faster, and still retain the culture and heritage of the Eldar people. If this is enough to make one an “eldar” is a matter of great debate but they have largely decided to leave it an unanswered question. While not as despised as the dark eldar, the Peredhel are still viewed with disgust by their eldar kin and never trusted.


 * Drukhari (Dark Eldar): The Drukhari have given little thought to the Peredhel besides mild curiosity. They have seen more horrific abominations and by their standards they are rather tame and chaste.


 * The Imperium: The Imperium in general regards the Peredhel as just another kind of xenos that they will wipe out. They do not fully understand that they are half-eldar and half-human (the Inquisition has seen to that) and simply treat them as any other Eldar.


 * The Inquisition: Inquisitors of the Ordo Xenos have a standing order to eradicate any Peredhel with extreme prejudice. They have captured a number of them and have realized the extreme dangers the represent. They believe (correctly) that they could be used as spies and regard the genetic intrusion of humanity in the same way the regard genestealers. The fact that they use modified astartes organs is a special crime as it is an affront to the Emperor’s creation and cannot be tolerated.


 * Adeptus Astartes (Space Marines): The space marines have sworn eternal wrath upon the Peredhel and have employed extreme measures on several occasions to capture or destroy them. The organs the Eldar stole from their battle brothers is a sin they can never forgive and those that know of this heinous crime have dedicated entire crusades to wiping them out when they are found.


 * Adeptus Mechanicus (Techpriests): The Adeptus Mechanicus is one of the only Imperial organizations with an interest in the Peredhel, though it is a purely scientific one. While their creation and continued existence is an affront to their Omnissiah and the Emperor’s divine creations they are extremely curious about how they were made...


 * Slaanesh (Chaos): Slaanesh is enraged by the existence of the Peredhel. They represent Eldar who have wiggled out of the chaos god’s control and they resent that greatly. The forces of Slaanesh take special pleasure in capturing and torturing Peredhel. As Peredhel are part human they have a chink in their emotional/spiritual armor that most Asuryani do not and Slaanesh exploits they whenever it appears. Because of this many Peredhel have fallen to the worship of Slaanesh.


 * Tzeentch (Chaos): Tzeentch is amused by the Peredhel and favors them. Tzeentch enjoys their cunning and the way they seemingly outsmarted Slaanesh. While he does not actively intercede on their behalf he welcomes any that come into his service and sometimes subtly aids them in their fight against Slaanesh through inaction.


 * Other Species: Tau, Necrons, and Tyranids have little interest in the goings on between humans and eldar but Orks seem to think Peredhel are a hell of a lot of fun to fight.

Apocrypha

 * It has been suggested by a number of sources that it is either the Celestial Lions, Astral Claws, Lion Warriors, or possibly some other chapter who had a lion as part of their chapter heraldry due to lion-shaped trinkets that Peredhel sometime wear.


 * Some eldar scholars believe that the Peredhel are actually the dead Eldar from Craftworld Mal’ehtë reincarnated in a new body.


 * Some heretical teachings suggest that the Peredhel are the result of a plot of Tzeentch. The story goes that Tzeentch gave Farseer Iarwain their vision and put the idea in their mind that they could circumvent giving their souls to Slaanesh by making half-eldar. This was done mostly to spite Slaanesh but also so that Tzeentch might enact some grander plan at some later date. Those who believe this think that Peredhel souls go to Tzeentch.