Chapter 22: Yes, This rainforest planet was teeming with life, including intelligent species.
The ghostly figures moving through the rainforest were almost invisible. They possessed some form of cloaking device, allowing them to evade detection by other rainforest creatures. Even the Zerg Swarm, which hadn't yet constructed detection structures or units, hadn't detected them.
Those familiar with Warhammer 40K could already guess who these rainforest-dwelling, cloaked, swift-moving creatures were.
Rangers of the [Aeldari], or Eldar.
The Aeldari are beings resembling elves from Western fantasy mythology. But a disclaimer: they are not a friendly race.
Once, the Aeldari were one of the most powerful factions in the universe. The ancient Aeldari, alongside the ancient Orks, fought for the Old Ones against ancient enemies—the [C'tan]—and ultimately emerged victorious.
But after victory, the Aeldari became obsessed with pleasure-seeking. Every conceivable form of hedonism was tried.
Soon, ordinary pleasures couldn't satisfy the Aeldari's spirits. The methods they employed next were likely considered too cruel even by the most callous executioners. Eventually, a certain moment arrived, and that Dark God was born.
Slaanesh was born from the Aeldari's endless pursuit of pleasure. His or her birth cry obliterated over 90% of the Aeldari and their homeworlds.
Since then, the surviving Aeldari had to abandon their homes, traveling the galaxy aboard Craftworlds.
They waited, hoping for a leader to rise again, gather their forces, reclaim their heritage, retake their homeworlds, and make the Aeldari great again!
Stay tuned for [Warhammer 40,000: Legacy of the Aeldari].
Ahem. From this, you can see similarities between the Aeldari and the Protoss: both have low populations, both are targeted by a powerful entity. Similarly, every Aeldari is an elite warrior.
Their agility is such that they can dodge bolter fire with their bodies.
Rangers, also called Rangers, are known among the Aeldari as 'Wanderers'—those who have left their homes or distanced themselves from their kin.
After confirming the area was safe, the Ranger removed her cloak, deactivating the cloaking and revealing her true form.
She stood over two meters tall, clad in pale green Aeldari armor, carrying an Aeldari rifle about 1.5 meters long. Her face was covered by the distinctive Aeldari pointed helmet, but she soon removed it, revealing stunning red hair and a face that could mesmerize a time-traveler.
Ah, of course, don't assume from this description that she might be an important character.
In the dark and hopeless world of Warhammer 40K, the better-looking you are, the faster you die. Slaanesh particularly likes beautiful collectibles.
Moreover, Aeldari females or males with such appearances are common among their kind. Just by Warhammer 40K's aesthetic standards, the Aeldari's looks are considered good.
Also, the Aeldari are a species where both genders serve as warriors. Females comprise over 90% of units like Howling Banshees and Warlock conclaves. Don't be surprised just because she's a decent-looking female Aeldari.
She stepped into the dense forest, her figure disappearing into the rainforest.
She reappeared at a small Aeldari settlement—about a dozen buildings, with an Aeldari population under fifty. It was a very small settlement.
The Aeldari guardian warrior guarding the settlement saluted the Ranger, showing respect.
"Kalesa, you've returned early this time."
Ranger Kalesa said with a grave expression, "Inform the others not to leave the settlement recently. This planet is no longer safe. Our cloaking field is still secure for now."
"What happened? Did those monkeys find us?"
The 'monkeys' these Aeldari referred to were naturally humans.
The Aeldari are a very proud—no, more accurately, very arrogant—race. Even in their fallen state, they see humans as monkeys.
"No. It's a swarm of bugs. They've turned the lake into their breeding pool. We need to prepare to leave this planet at any moment. How is the Webway gate?"
"Stable."
"That's good."
Kalesa looked towards the settlement's center, where a massive arch stood, inscribed with Aeldari script and ancient patterns. This was a structure built during the Old Ones' era, possessing the special interstellar passage known as the [Webway].
This thing is currently the most stable and efficient mode of interstellar travel in the galaxy, even more so than the Necrons' inertialess drives.
The Emperor once attempted to replace Warp drives with the Webway. However, the Heresy during the 30K era erased that possibility and tore a Warp rift in the Webway beneath the Imperial Palace on Terra, allowing daemons to pour through endlessly.
Since then, the Emperor couldn't leave the Golden Throne.
"They're just some bugs. Why should we leave this planet, Kalesa? Are you scared of them?"
"I just have a bad feeling."
When Kalesa saw the Zerg Swarm, she instinctively felt the urge to flee.
This was her psychic ability warning her—those things were dangerous. But her verbal arrogance made her unwilling to admit they threatened her survival.
"We finally found a planet to rest peacefully, and we leave because of some bugs? Perhaps we can clear them out."
Kalesa shook her head. "I don't want to take the risk. Besides, the kin here are all Wanderers who don't want to fight. They're weary of battle."
Aeldari individuals generally choose a [Path], akin to their personality.
For example, those on the Path of the Warrior enjoy combat, are bloodthirsty and brutal. Those on the Path of the Seer are more like prophets or sages, better at planning.
Aeldari on the Path of the Wanderer are aimless drifters, living day by day, often becoming pirates or recluses.
This settlement belonged to the latter, though sometimes they ventured out to raid supplies for survival.
"I want to go take a look."
"Suit yourself. Just don't die out there."
Kalesa glanced at the young Aeldari. He was too young, only a few hundred years old, curious about everything.
But he was also a qualified 'Guardian,' an Aeldari warrior. He shouldn't encounter any mishaps.
"They're just bugs. They can't kill me."
The Aeldari warrior stepped out of the cloaking field. Kalesa sighed and went to rest.
"Young ones..."