Among the many characters found in the vast universe of Warhammer Fantasy, few evoke the grandeur, menace, and mystique of Settra the Imperishable. Revered and feared as the eternal ruler of Nehekhara, Settra is more than just a powerful undead king he is a symbol of unyielding ambition, legacy, and the pursuit of immortal greatness. His tale spans centuries, intertwining conquest, dark magic, and divine will, making him one of the most iconic figures in the Warhammer mythos. Exploring Settra’s origins, his rise to power, his rule beyond death, and his role within the Tomb Kings faction reveals not just a fictional emperor, but a figure who personifies the very idea of imperishability in art, war, and legend.
Origins of Settra the Imperishable
Settra was once the greatest of all mortal kings to rule over the lands of Nehekhara, the ancient and powerful civilization often referred to as the ‘Land of the Dead.’ Unlike later necromantic powers that dominate the Warhammer universe, Nehekhara was already steeped in death rituals and ancestral worship long before undeath became a literal force.
Settra, born with unmatched charisma, vision, and ruthless determination, unified the fractured city-states of Nehekhara through war, diplomacy, and divine decree. He declared himself King of Kings and sought to raise Nehekhara into a civilization that rivaled even the gods. However, even with all his worldly power, Settra remained mortal an unacceptable flaw in his vision of eternal dominion.
The Quest for Immortality
Terrified of death and obsessed with his own legacy, Settra ordered his priests to find a way to grant him immortality. These priests, known as the Mortuary Cult, were given unlimited resources to uncover the secrets of eternal life. Settra’s tomb was constructed with unparalleled grandeur and magical protections, intended to preserve his body and soul for eternity.
However, when Settra eventually died, the ritual intended to resurrect him as an immortal living god failed. Instead, he was brought back centuries later as an undead being not quite living, not truly dead. Though furious at being denied true life, Settra retained his power, intellect, and iron will. As a Tomb King, he rose again to claim his throne, and he would not allow death or anything else to take it from him again.
Settra’s Undead Rule
As Settra returned from the grave, the world around him had changed. Nehekhara was a ruin of its former glory, pillaged by lesser necromancers and crawling with undead hordes bereft of reason. In his wrath, Settra destroyed all who dared claim rulership in his absence. He reasserted his dominion with an army of skeletons, chariots, tomb guards, and colossal constructs animated by ancient magics.
Though he despised the cursed nature of undeath, Settra embraced his role as ruler of the dead. He restored order, rebuilt temples, and commanded the Mortuary Cult to continue working toward restoring his living body. His ambition knew no end even death could not halt his vision of eternal empire. He became a sovereign not only of Nehekhara, but of imperishability itself, ruling with unmatched resolve.
The Art and Symbolism of Settra
Settra’s legacy is not just political or military it is deeply symbolic. Within the Warhammer Fantasy lore, he represents the art of rulership taken to an eternal extreme. Every element of his persona, from his golden chariot pulled by skeletal steeds to his towering, ornate armor, reflects a man obsessed with legacy, permanence, and divinity.
Imperishable Imagery
- Tomb Architecture: Settra’s tomb is a monumental work of funerary art, echoing real-world Egyptian pyramids and filled with treasures, sculptures, and glyphs that narrate his conquests.
- Symbolism of Gold: His regalia features gold prominently a metal associated with eternity, purity, and celestial power.
- Undead Chariots: These are not only instruments of war but visual representations of speed, domination, and nobility carried through the afterlife.
Settra’s portrayal elevates necromantic fantasy into high art, where death is not decay but transformation. Through this lens, his character becomes a study in how ambition and aesthetics combine to forge an undying myth.
Settra in Warhammer Fantasy Battles
In the tabletop game Warhammer Fantasy Battles, Settra is a powerful Lord-level character within the Tomb Kings army. His in-game presence mirrors his lore: he is commanding, almost indestructible, and grants immense buffs to nearby units. He rides a unique chariot called the Chariot of the Gods and has access to both martial prowess and arcane protection.
Gameplay Characteristics
- Leadership Aura: Settra enhances the morale of Tomb King units significantly, making them less likely to crumble.
- Magic Resistance: He possesses strong defenses against hostile spells, reflecting his divine protections.
- Offensive Might: Settra can cut down enemies with ease and dominate both hero units and rank-and-file troops.
For players, fielding Settra the Imperishable is not just a tactical choice it’s a thematic one. He embodies the spirit of the Tomb Kings army: resilient, regal, and relentless.
Legacy and Influence
Settra’s impact extends beyond the game itself. He is one of the few characters in Warhammer who strikes fear and admiration in equal measure. His dialogue, design, and lore have made him a fan favorite. In Total War: Warhammer II, his cinematic introductions and powerful presence have reintroduced him to a broader audience, further solidifying his place in fantasy pop culture.
Why Settra Endures
- Consistency of Vision: From ancient king to undead overlord, Settra’s ambitions have never changed.
- Aesthetic Excellence: He merges Egyptian and high fantasy themes into one unforgettable visual identity.
- Moral Ambiguity: Unlike villains driven by malice or corruption, Settra is ruled by pure will a complex, almost tragic figure.
Settra the Imperishable is more than a character he is a monument to what it means to resist time, decay, and insignificance. As both king and corpse, visionary and tyrant, he reigns not just over Nehekhara but over the imagination of those who encounter his story. In a universe filled with chaos, corruption, and ruin, Settra remains unbowed, unbroken, and unforgettable. His imperishability is not just physical it is artistic, symbolic, and eternal.