The return of the Eldar is almost upon us. In the month of November, 2006, these doomed starfarers will be getting an all-new Codex, lovingly crafted by Phil Kelly, and a large number of new models. They include three new plastic kits and a plethora of beautifully detailed metal miniatures. Regardless of whether you are an Eldar enthusiast of old, a new follower of the Path, or someone who appreciates expertly crafted miniature soldiers and the exceptionally evocative background and rules that go with them, there is something in this Eldar release for every Games Workshop fan.

CODEX: ELDAR

Written by Phil Kelly, Codex: Eldar has everything an Eldar player needs to field an Eldritch army. Within its artful cover, you will find sections on the Eldar background and detailed information about the Craftworlds that they inhabit. Also, you will find everything you need to know about the deadly warriors of the Eldar and how to construct a powerful army from these dying people. Finally, in the Eldar Warhost (an awesome full-colour section), you will get to see the Eldar models in all their painted glory. Don't worry — you don't have to wait an entire month to see some of these exquisite soldiers. We have a few to show you on the next page of this preview.

THE ELDAR CRAFTWORLDS

The number of remaining Craftworlds is a fact known by only a few sages among the Eldar. These space cities were built millennia ago with great urgency and in times of unimaginable peril. It was only thanks to the heroic actions of a few visionary Eldar that the Craftworlds were built at all.

In Codex: Eldar, you will find detailed information about the Eldar Craftworlds as well as full instructions (with many examples) on how to paint your Eldar warriors masterfully to match the colour scheme for each known Craftworld. Or, use these painting techniques to devise your own Craftworld look and feel.

FORCES OF THE ELDAR

The Forces of Eldar section of the Codex details the forces at the Craftworlds’ disposal. It provides the rules necessary to use all of the elements of the Eldar army in your games of Warhammer 40,000. As well as giving details about how each unit fights, this section also contains the profiles for each unit. These entries include Special Rules (which reflect that unit's strengths and weaknesses in game terms), Wargear (that unit's exceptional weapons and equipment), and Exarch Powers (the supernatural abilities available to the leaders of each Eldar unit).

Finally, the last part of the Forces of the Eldar section contains background and rules on the unique characters who can lead an Eldar army, namely Eldrad Ulthwé; Prince Yriel, Autarch of Iyanden; and the powerful Phoenix Lords.

THE ELDAR WARHOST

The last 16 pages of Codex: Eldar display a gorgeous full-colour section that shows off existing and new Eldar miniatures alike. This section shows these soldiers and vehicles in a variety of Craftworld colours, and the Aspect Warriors are painted with their signature colour schemes. In these pages you can see the splendour of several Eldar armies arrayed for war, as well as colour schemes and painting tips to help your own Eldar army look just as impressive.

For a sneak peek of a few of the new Eldar miniatures, check out the next page of this article.