Elderlings

The Elderlings are a fictional race of ancient, godlike beings originating from the fictional universe of *Warhammer 40,000*, created by Games Workshop. They are among the oldest and most powerful entities in the cosmos, predating even the gods of the Warp and the human race. Often depicted as towering, humanoid figures with elongated limbs, glowing eyes, and a regal bearing, Elderlings are associated with wisdom, arcane knowledge, and the manipulation of reality itself.

The Elderlings are said to have once ruled over the galaxy in a distant, golden age known as the Age of Technology. During this time, they developed advanced civilizations and wielded immense technological and magical power. However, their dominance was eventually challenged by the Tyranids, a hive-mind species of insatiable consumers, leading to a cataclysmic war known as the Great Devourance. The Elderlings were nearly annihilated, and their remnants fled into the depths of space, leaving behind ruins and artifacts that hint at their former glory.

In *Warhammer 40,000*, the Elderlings are often referenced in lore as the creators of the Necrons, a race of cybernetic undead warriors. The Necrons were once the Elderlings themselves, who underwent a transformation into their current form to survive the Tyranids. This transformation involved the absorption of the Necron Virus, which granted them immortality but at the cost of their organic forms.

The Elderlings are also linked to the concept of the "Golden Age," a mythical period of peace and prosperity that is sometimes invoked by factions seeking to restore order to the galaxy. Their legacy persists in the form of ancient ruins, forgotten technologies, and cryptic prophecies, making them a subject of fascination and study among scholars and explorers in the *Warhammer 40,000* universe. Their exact fate remains unknown, though some believe they may still exist in hidden realms beyond the known galaxy.