We are the Drukhari, the dark and exquisite denizens of Commorragh, the City of Shadows hidden in the webway away from the prying eyes of the Chaos god Slaanesh. A splinter group of the ancient Aeldari, we have embraced the seductive allure of pain and pleasure, thriving in a world where suffering is an art form to stay alive.
Our warriors, clad in sleek armor and armed with deadly weaponry, strike with unparalleled speed and precision. In our pursuit of eternal youth and satisfaction, we raid the realms for souls, capturing our enemies’ essence to stave off Slaanesh’s hunger.
We are the masters of torment and deception, reveling in chaos while dancing on the edge of oblivion.
Who Are the Drukhari?
The Drukhari, also known as Dark Eldar, are a sinister and decadent faction in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, emerging from the remnants of the ancient Aeldari race.
Residing in the labyrinthine city of Commorragh, they have embraced a life of excess, cruelty, and hedonism to stave off the predators of Slaanesh. The Drukhari are masters of speed and stealth, employing advanced technology and brutal tactics to raid and enslave their enemies.
Their society is divided into various Kabals, Cults, and Covens, each competing for power and influence. Driven by a relentless hunger for suffering, the Drukhari revel in chaos and destruction to extend their own lifespans and escape the hunger of Slaanesh.
What Are the Drukhari Army Strengths?
The Drukhari army excels in speed, agility, and shock tactics, making it a highly mobile and unpredictable force on the battlefield.
Their advanced technology allows for rapid deployment and devastating hit-and-run attacks, with units like Raiders and Reavers providing exceptional mobility. The army’s focus on close combat and precision shooting enables them to dismantle enemy forces before they can respond.
Additionally, their ability to inflict pain and suffering can enhance their combat effectiveness. However, the Drukhari also have weaknesses; many units are relatively fragile and can be easily overwhelmed by sustained fire or strong melee attacks.
Their reliance on speed means that losing key units can disrupt their overall strategy, necessitating careful positioning and tactical foresight to ensure victory.
Where Should Beginners Start?
Some of the best models for beginner Drukhari players include:
- Raiders: Dark Eldar transport vehicles. They excel at swiftly deploying troops into battle, providing mobility and cover while delivering devastating firepower against enemy forces.
- Reavers: Fast-moving Dark Eldar raiders known for their hit-and-run tactics. They excel in harassment and disruption, using speed and ranged weapons to outmaneuver opponents.
- Wyches: Agile Dark Eldar fighters specializing in close combat. They excel at swift assaults, using speed and deadly weapons to outmaneuver and eliminate foes effectively.
- Incubi: Elite Dark Eldar warriors known for their deadly precision and agility. They excel in close combat, delivering swift, lethal strikes against their enemies.
How To Paint Drukhari?
Here are three creative paint ideas for new players that bring out the dark, clandestine nature of the Drukhari:
Color Scheme Ideas
Shadow and Steel
- Base Coat: Start with a base coat of dark metallic silver or gunmetal for armor to reflect their sleek, high-tech aesthetics.
- Highlight: Highlight with lighter metallics to emphasize edges. For cloth and accents, use deep purples or blacks, highlighting with brighter shades like violet or electric blue.
- Skin: For skin, opt for pale tones with a slight blue or green hue, adding highlights for dimension.
- Wash: Finish with a wash of Nuln Oil to enhance shadows and details, creating a striking and shadowy appearance.
Vibrant Venom
- Base Coat: Use a base coat of bright green or neon turquoise for armor, capturing the vibrant and chaotic essence of the Drukhari.
- Highlight: Highlight with lighter shades of the same color to create depth. For cloth, use contrasting colors like deep red or black, highlighting with lighter tones.
- Skin: For skin, choose a ghostly pale color, accented with vivid hues for eyes and markings.
- Varnish: Finish with a gloss varnish on select areas to give a sleek, polished look, enhancing the overall vibrancy and allure.
Elegant Darkness
- Base Coat: Start with a base coat of matte black for armor, symbolizing their stealthy nature.
- Highlight: Highlight with a deep crimson or dark purple to create a rich contrast. For cloaks and fabrics, use dark shades of blue or green, highlighting with brighter shades to add depth.
- Skin: For skin tones, opt for a muted flesh tone with subtle purple or green undertones, emphasizing features with light highlights. Incorporate metallic accents in gold or silver for weapons and details.
- Wash: Finish with a dark wash to enhance shadows, creating a sophisticated and sinister aesthetic.
Painting Techniques for Drukhari
- Base Coating: Start with bold, dark colors that reflect the Drukhari’s sleek and sinister aesthetic. Use deep blacks, purples, or metallics for armor and weaponry. A solid base coat provides a foundation for subsequent colors, ensuring they appear vibrant and cohesive while capturing the dark, elegant style of the Drukhari.
- Drybrushing: This technique is effective for highlighting the intricate details of armor and weapons. Use a lighter metallic shade or a bright color to drybrush over raised surfaces and edges, creating a shimmering effect that enhances the sleek lines and details of the miniatures. This adds depth and dimension, making them visually striking.
- Washes: Applying washes is crucial for adding depth and shadow. Use dark washes, like Nuln Oil or Agrax Earthshade, to emphasize the recesses in armor, skin, and fabric. This technique helps create a three-dimensional appearance, accentuating details and giving the models a more realistic and layered look.
- Edge Highlighting: Use edge highlighting to draw attention to the sharp details of armor and weapons. Apply a lighter color along the edges to create crisp contrasts that enhance the definition of the models. This technique adds a polished look, emphasizing the craftsmanship and elegance of Drukhari design.
- Contrast Paints: These paints are excellent for achieving quick yet impactful results. Use contrast paints for larger areas, such as cloaks or skin, to take advantage of their self-shading properties. This allows for depth without extensive layering, making it easier for beginners to achieve striking results that capture the darkly alluring essence of the Drukhari.
