I just checked ye olde codex and guardians don't have squad leaders. Eldar make less sense every day. Then again, I'm just a silly mon'keigh.
Well, I think you may have misunderstood me here, or I might not have been clear. It isn't that Outcasts necessarily have a stronger mind etc. than Craftworlders. I'm saying that in order to survive away from the Path, Outcasts have either found a system of their own for resisting temptation, or they haven't - in which case they fall to temptation. Because they weren't strong enough, and this is why their life is so dangerous. But as with every group of individuals, there are a few who are especially strong-willed and manage to make it on their own. That's what I mean by it - that there are some who can do it on their own, but most can't. Eldar Codex (latest one) page 11: "Many Eldar spend years or deacdes in exile before they return to the Path. During this time, they must bear the terrible burden of their heightened consciousness without the protection of rigid self-discipline. Their psychically-sensitive minds are a beacon to predatory daemons and in particular to the Great Enemy Slaanesh, so only Eldar of especially strong character can survive for long." That's where I'm getting it from The latest Codex doesn't offer much on Exodites at all; they barely get a mention. But the 1993 Codex - Taste the Rainbow Edition - has a little bit more. They don't seem to have had much of an update anywhere. And I'm afraid it really does offer only hard work and simple living as the answer, along with being far far away from the Eye : "The Eldar Path determines the way of life for all Craftworlders but not for the Exodites. Because of this they seem wild and individualistic compared to other Eldar, more independently minded and adventurous by far than their cousins. They can survive in this fashion because they are distant from the Eye of Terror [explanation of the Eye here] ... This alone is not enough to protect them, but it is a significant factor. More importantly, the Exodite societies are more rigorous and physical than those of the Craftworlds. Where the Craftworlds cling to the past and preserve all they can of their fallen civilisation, the Exodites have turned their backs upon ancient traditions in favour of a simpler and harder way of life. Their minds are tougher and more straightforward but not so subtle and ultimately less powerful than the Craftworld Eldar. However, they have survived, and of all Eldar they seem the most likely to do so." - pages 16-17, 1993 Codex
Guardians have had squad leaders in some editions, so you are both right. Wraithcookies for everyone!
Doesn't the World Spirit defend the Exodites? That and them doing a lot of work that CW Eldar leave to automated processes. Like scrubbing toilets.
That's not what war-masks are supposed to be though, but crap writers often treat it that way. Every Aspect is said to have a different temperament. Scorpions are patient and taciturn hunters, Reapers are morbid and at peace with death, Banshees are vengeful and grieving etc. Sadly this is rarely remembered and they all come across exactly the same. What I'd give for a good Eldar series that explores this. The dual personality theme is so interesting and is the main reason I like Eldar. Loads of potential for character conflict and drama that can make a battle scene more than just a violence parade.
That does indeed sound pretty interesting, especially compared to Gav's war masks. Let's hope a novel explores these things some time soon. Also I just found out the 7th ed Eldar codex is already out, I'm not up to date! Inconceivable! Edit: Apparently it WAS inconceivable, someone lied to me, still on 6th ed!
