The Harlequins are an elite faction of the Aeldari (Eldar) species in the Warhammer 40,000 universe, dedicated to the god Cegorach, also known as the Laughing God. They are both performers and warriors, acting as the keepers of Eldar history and mythology while also engaging in deadly combat. The Harlequins traverse the galaxy, spreading the tales of the Aeldari through elaborate, highly stylized performances. However, when needed, they become deadly assassins and warriors, striking with preternatural speed and grace.
Harlequins believe in the eternal struggle against Chaos, particularly Slaanesh, who devoured most of the Aeldari pantheon during the Fall. Unlike the rest of their race, they follow Cegorach, the only Eldar god to escape the grasp of She Who Thirsts. The Harlequins work to ensure the survival of Aeldari culture, protect the hidden Black Library, and ultimately guide their race toward salvation—whether through unity or destruction.
They are known for their extreme secrecy, often appearing and disappearing without warning, even among other Aeldari factions. Harlequins are considered a mystery even to the Craftworlds and Drukhari, who both fear and respect them.
History[]
The Fall of the Aeldari[]
The origins of the Harlequins can be traced back to the most catastrophic event in Aeldari history: the Fall of the Aeldari. Before the rise of the Imperium, the Aeldari were the most advanced civilization in the galaxy, but their empire collapsed due to unchecked decadence and hedonism. Their excesses led to the birth of Slaanesh, the Chaos God of excess and pleasure, who devoured the souls of trillions, consuming the Aeldari pantheon in the process.
During this cataclysm, only a few Aeldari deities survived—one of whom was Cegorach, the Laughing God. According to legend, Cegorach escaped Slaanesh’s grasp by hiding in the Webway, mocking the newborn god even as the rest of the pantheon perished. As the last trickster god of the Aeldari, Cegorach gathered those who still followed his ways—the first Harlequins.
The Rise of the Masques[]
The Harlequins emerged as the keepers of Aeldari history, myth, and prophecy. Unlike the Craftworld Eldar, who sought refuge aboard massive world-ships, or the Drukhari, who fled into the Webway to pursue depravity, the Harlequins became nomadic warriors, moving between Eldar factions and keeping alive the cultural heritage of their shattered race.
To achieve this, they adopted the tradition of the Dance of the Laughing God, a series of theatrical performances reenacting the history of the Aeldari—from their golden age to their fall, and their ongoing struggle against Chaos. These performances were not merely entertainment but also sacred rituals, imbued with hidden messages and prophecy.
Over time, the Harlequins divided themselves into Masques, each representing different aspects of Cegorach’s will. Some Masques specialize in sabotage, others in assassination, and some act as intermediaries between Aeldari factions, ensuring that their fractured people do not lose sight of their ultimate fate.
Harlequins in the Age of the Imperium[]
As the Imperium of Man rose to power, the Harlequins remained largely hidden, operating in the shadows. While the Imperium came to know of the Craftworlds and the Drukhari, the Harlequins were an enigma, appearing only when it suited their goals. There are rumors of Harlequins infiltrating Imperial fortresses, assassinating key figures, or even manipulating events to ensure that Chaos does not gain the upper hand.
One of their most sacred duties is the protection of the Black Library, a hidden repository within the Webway that contains the most forbidden knowledge of Chaos. Only those deemed worthy by the Harlequins may enter, and even the mighty Inquisition has failed in its attempts to breach its halls.
The Role of the Harlequins in the Rise of Ynnead[]
In recent times, with the emergence of the Ynnari—a faction that worships Ynnead, the Eldar god of the dead—the Harlequins have played a pivotal role in shaping the future of their race. While some Masques support the Ynnari’s quest to awaken Ynnead as a weapon against Slaanesh, others remain skeptical, believing that Cegorach’s path remains the true salvation of the Aeldari.
One of the most defining moments in recent Aeldari history was the Fall of Biel-Tan, where the Ynnari’s leader, Yvraine, led a desperate gambit to awaken Ynnead’s power. Harlequins were present during this event, subtly guiding events from the shadows. Some believe that Cegorach himself orchestrated these events, while others think the Laughing God merely finds amusement in the chaos.
Current Status[]
Today, the Harlequins continue their mysterious and unpredictable activities across the galaxy. They appear suddenly on battlefields, fighting alongside or against various factions based on unseen motives. Their ultimate goal remains the destruction of Slaanesh and the preservation of Aeldari culture, though how they intend to achieve this remains a secret even to their closest allies.
While many see them as mere performers, those who understand the Harlequins know the truth: they are the silent architects of the Eldar’s fate, and their laughter echoes even in the darkest corners of the galaxy.
Structure and Hierarchy[]
Structure of a Harlequin Masque
Harlequins travel the galaxy in Masques, which serve as both performing troupes and highly specialized warbands. Each Masque consists of Troupers—the core warriors—accompanied by various specialists who enhance their combat and theatrical capabilities:
- Shadowseers – Mystical psykers who guide their Masques, acting as both prophets and commanders.
- Troupes – The core warriors of the Harlequins, skilled in acrobatics, melee combat, and psychological warfare.
- Solitaire – A singular, cursed warrior who plays the role of Slaanesh in their performances and is feared by all. Solitaires are believed to have no soul and are beyond salvation.
- Death Jesters – Harlequin warriors specializing in heavy weaponry, often taking the role of executioners in performances and real battles alike.
- Troupes Master – Veteran warriors and leaders within the Masques who act as commanders in battle.
Powers and Abilities[]
The Harlequins possess near-superhuman agility, speed, and reflexes, enhanced by their Holo-Suits, which create shimmering illusions that make them incredibly difficult to hit. They wield advanced Aeldari weaponry, including:
- Harlequin’s Kiss – A monofilament weapon that liquefies enemies from the inside.
- Neuro Disruptors – A gun that causes immense neurological pain, often killing foes outright.
- Caresses and Embraces – Elegant, deadly melee weapons used in close combat.
Relationship with Other Factions[]
- Craftworld Aeldari – A tenuous alliance exists, as Harlequins often interact with the Craftworlds to guide or manipulate them toward a greater goal.
- Drukhari (Dark Eldar) – The Harlequins are viewed with suspicion by the sadistic Dark Eldar, though they are tolerated due to their access to secret knowledge and performance rituals.
- Ynnari – Harlequins play a crucial role in the rise of the Ynnari, as some believe that Ynnead, the Eldar god of the dead, offers the best hope for their species' survival.
- Imperium of Man – Harlequins are an outright threat to the Imperium, appearing sporadically to kill high-ranking Imperial figures or sabotage Imperial plans. They are hunted by the Inquisition, though few can catch them.
- Chaos – Harlequins are sworn enemies of Chaos, particularly Slaanesh, whom they despise above all else. Their performances and actions often serve as psychological warfare against Chaos cultists and daemons.
Notable Masques[]
- The Midnight Sorrow – This Masque is dedicated to vengeance against Chaos and closely affiliated with the Dark Eldar. They appear where Chaos forces are strongest and leave nothing but death and ruin in their wake.
- The Veiled Path – Masters of deception and manipulation, this Masque is infamous for misleading both enemies and allies. Some say they have even tricked Chaos gods themselves.
- The Frozen Stars – Known for their ruthless brutality, the warriors of this Masque strike suddenly and leave no survivors. Even among Harlequins, their cruelty is unmatched.
- The Soaring Spite – This Masque specializes in high-speed aerial warfare, using grav-vehicles to rain destruction upon their foes before vanishing into the Webway.
- The Dreaming Shadow – A grim and melancholic Masque obsessed with death and the afterlife. Their warriors fight with an eerie calm, resembling specters more than living beings.
- The Silent Shroud – This Masque is feared for its unnerving silence. Their warriors never speak in battle, their mere presence instilling terror in even the most hardened soldiers.
Gallery[]
