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Made in us
Fresh-Faced New User




Heya!

So I've been working on my custom Harlequin Masque that I call The Masque of the Nightmare Maiden. I wanted to share the fluff for it and some of my models with you guys to see what you think:

Name: Masque of the Nightmare Maiden

Color Scheme: Purple, Black, White, Gold

Overall Masque Concept: An all female Masque that has the themes of metamorphosis and dangerous beauty. Think "ugly duckling becomes a murderous swan" or "caterpillar becomes a razor blade butterfly"
Modeling: A kit-bash combination of normal Harlequin miniatures and others that mesh well with the vibe. Examples: Witch Aelves, Sisters of Slaughter, Sorceress, Mistweaver Saih, Genestealer Magus. The Masque parodies Slaanesh's forces during war, so even some slight Slaaneshi motifs are acceptable. I'd also like to have some "circus freak" and beastly elements to it- using Khinerai, Melusai, and Gryph-hound models.

Fluff: Cegorach knows better than most the value of a diamond in the rough. The Webway often leads The Laughing God to the overlooked, dismissed, and misused. The Great Harlequin searches out the pariahs. He remembers the forgotten. He reveals the invisible. Then, with comforting cheer, he offers them a home where their hidden talents will finally receive proper attention: the Masque of the Nightmare Maiden.

Players of the Nightmare Maiden are impossible to ignore - each more gorgeous and talented than the last. Each undergoes a metamorphosis, leaving behind their past bodies and lives to join a renowned sisterhood of warrior artists. The Nightmare Maiden sees beauty as a weapon, whether it be on stage, in political debate, or amongst the battlefield. Distraction, allure, and temptation are the Masque’s primary tools; deadly when coupled with their razor-sharp athleticism and millennia of training.

While nearly every player of the Masque is a female Aeldari of captivating charm, none started out as the siren they are now. Upon joining the Masque, initiation usually begins with the permanent adoption of a new body called their “costume”. Using an ancient relic, newly recruited players have their souls transferred out of their old bodies and into soulless clone vessels hand-crafted by Commorragh’s most feared Haemonculi. Though Haemonculi are more well known for their monstrous creations, they can occasionally be prodded to use a subtler touch - and when Cegorach comes calling, even the Covens bow to his will. Many go above and beyond to ensure they stay in his good graces, giving the clones an otherworldly elegance which raises them above the already attractive general Aeldari populace. Rumors abound that some Haemonculi even purposely add small flaws to non-Masque clones to further accentuate the difference.

Sometimes, the Masque does allows the Haemonculi to add certain features to their flesh costumes to better portray certain roles. These often take the form of tails - interesting additions, but not enough to take away from the beauty of the player. The occasional truly unique variations do sometimes get approved, however. Have you perhaps seen the Serpent Jester? They say she's half snake...

The transference is a martial ritual - the beauty granted by the gifting of a clone body seen as the first weapon bestowed upon a new Harlequin. Becoming “someone else” is a freeing experience for many that hones them in unexpected ways. Fears of what the Craftworld or Kabal might think fall away. Each sister is equal with her peers, and each is given room to practice her artistry without judgement. There are only two conditions - eternal loyalty to the Masque and equal dedication to the symphony of its battle rhythms.

On the battlefield, the Masque parodies the deadly dance of Slaanesh’s daemonettes. Their lithe forms are not only physically attractive but also very physically capable. Each sister is a Haemonculus manufactured super-soldier in her own right. Unsurprisingly, Solitaires are less of a rarity amongst their forces than other Masques - the chaotic choreography a difficult lure to resist. They are an army that is both terrifying and fascinating to observe - often attracting allies of Drukhari and Craftworld origins who come hoping for a good show and a good fight. The Masque plays the instrument of war with a refined brutality - always leaving at least one enemy alive to tell the tale.

Regular Nightmare Maiden performances are wide and varied, reflecting the many interests of those who are recruited. Acts are chosen based on the audience, however. On a Craftworld, one is likely to see ornate dances celebrating and mourning, in equal measure, the goddesses Lileath and Isha. In the dark dens of Commorragh, the Masque will pull out its more explicit exhibitions - darkly humorous illusions and dances that are often more enticing than historical. Regardless of the venue, these once discarded Aeldari find all eyes on them through Cegorach’s blessings. They have been granted new life as part of his Grand Circus, and any who would deny them the respect they deserve now would quickly come to regret it.

To add additional intrigue to their shows, the Masque of the Nightmare Maiden maintains a collection of unique beasts from around the universe. They are treated more as companions and family members than slaves, though on the battlefield some require harsh direction to keep their more primal urges focused in the right direction. The most revered, and dangerous, of these beasts is the gryph-hound - a creature of both elegance and might. On the stage they add a air of royalty and authority, often portrayed as loyal pets of rulers and tyrants both. On the battlefield, they rip, tear, and peck with a ferocity that mirrors their troupe sisters. A single player functions as both Beastmaster and "Grand Conductor", orchestrating both beast and non-Harlequin ally in concert with the Masque's regular forces.

Communities that host a performance from the Masque of the Nightmare Maiden often report having especially comforting and uplifting dreams on the night following the performance. The Masque operates as a sort of “dream catcher” for good audiences, stealing away thoughts of terror to be used against their enemies or those audiences that should show them disrespect.

Per their name, the Masque also fiercely defends and reclaims Maiden Worlds, but otherwise is relatively open to having diplomatic ties with the Imperium, Tau, and other races.

Additional Commentary: I liked the idea of loss of identity that's prevalent in Harlequin / Eldar lore as well as the way a few of the Masques seem to "kidnap" people. I also like the idea of people running off to join circus and finding a new purpose / life there that's a combination of manufactured narrative and personal ability.

Having an army that's also practically the opposite of the hyper-masculine ones often associated with 40k seemed fun as well. The concept of female "super-soldiers" as opposed to male ones seemed fun to me. An additional goal was for it to still stand out on the tabletop even alongside other Harlequin Masques. Both are reasons for which is why I went with primarily female models.

Gryph-hounds will simply use Khymerae rules and the Beastmaster will be a Sisters of Slaughter conversion intended to seem like a player who is on "loan" to my detachment.

The Serpent Jester is planned to be a Death Jester conversion using the snake-like lower half of a Melusai. She'll be my first "freak". Not planning to use the Melusai serpent bits otherwise.

Anyway, I think that covers it for now. Let me know what you think!

Thanks!
   
Made in us
Fresh-Faced New User




Also, here are some pictures of my current models! (Ignore the male Troupe Master - it's from an earlier concept I had for the Masque. Still need to redo that one)











   
Made in gb
Liberated Grot Land Raida






Northern Ireland

Very interesting. I like the way it's written, you have some well thought out ideas. I'd be interested to throw you a few questions just to judge your thinking in some different directions. Maybe things you've not considered yet or might find adds depth or flavour.

Ok so who is the great Harlequin? What's his/her (?) back story. Your fluff mentions "him" but then I'm not sure if that's a. older concept.

Gathering of fears/nightmares etc, what is the mechanism for this and how is it deployed against the enemy? Ignore the detail if you like, the concept is great, but is it purely spiritual, psychic or chemical. The old Shadow Seer (of yesteryear) used to deploy halucinogen grenades to similar effect.

What happens to the bodies of the initiates when they leave them? This could be so grim so you'll have to set the tone on this one, I'm not leaning into the worst of options by any means.

What about heavy support? Have you considered a ranged anti tank unit? Some kind of circus cannon doom diver! No, please I'm joking of course. Maybe the big beasts will cover that end.

Who directs their tours?

What maiden worlds have received them and what is the long term effect of a visit to such places? Have they left a trail of destruction or a string of daisies in their wake?

have you thought of any more special characters? Take an existing rule set for a likely character and rehash the fluff. A solitaire perhaps or an infiltrator. "She's behind you!" "Oh no she isn't!"

What interactions have they had with known Craftworlds? Any simmering mistrust there or lasting legacy of gratitude? A stolen princess here. A maddened matriarch there.

Of course feel free to cherry pick at those I'm not expecting comprehensive answers. Just wanted to spark ideas.




   
Made in us
Fresh-Faced New User




Wow! Thanks for all the questions! I want to try to answer them all - I think it'll add a lot more depth to the Masque.

When I originally mentioned the Great Harlequin, I was just using it as one of Cegorach's nicknames. Didn't want to keep saying "Cegorach" over and over again. Sorry for any confusion!

The gathering of fears / nightmares is meant to be psychic, and they are then unleashed through both psychic and chemical (Shadowseer) means.

Unfortunately, I'll have to think on the rest! I'll post here once I have some good answers.

In the meantime, here's some pictures of my WIP Death Jester kit-bash:







This message was edited 1 time. Last update was at 2019/05/01 02:44:15


 
   
Made in gb
Liberated Grot Land Raida






Northern Ireland

The snake is cool. Its a bit standoutish though. Maybe you could look into working some more serpent themes into the fluff. What's the Siam Han craftworld symbol, the cosmic serpent? Not sure, but it's maybe an opportunity. Do the masque have any symbol yet? Something else to consider.

   
 
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