Solitaire
Solitaires are Harlequins who are chosen by Cegorach[1] to tread upon the Path of Damnation and forfeit their essence to Slaanesh, fated to be claimed by the Prince of Excess.[2][3b][4a] At their death, Cegorach himself fights for their souls in an uneven battle with She-Who-Thirsts.[2][3b] Only through trickery, the Laughing God can win them back.[2]
Overview
They are outsiders, even among the Harlequins, and roam the universe alone, occasionally joining a masque for a single performance or battle as the fancy takes them. They almost always fight as individuals.[3b] They walk unseen and unnoticed even among other races, as they are said to be touched by the Great Harlequin directly, Eldar folk tales tell many accounts of a hero not realizing that instead with a Solitaire they met with Cegorach himself.[1] In the Harlequin masques, they play the part of Slaanesh, as all others who attempt to play this part are driven mad by the experience.[1][3b]
The Solitaires seek out Eldar considered promising and able to survive the trial that all Harlequins must endure. Though they are capable of speech, they do not speak and are not spoken to, except in ritual form during a performance. It is said that any who accidentally addresses or touches a Solitaire is cursed, and would be better to take their own life outright.[3b]
In combat, a Solitaire is a deadly marvel, a dazzling blaze of light and colour that leaps, spins and attacks with blinding speed. Their art of dance is so advanced that the enemy's bullets, rays and shells can not hit them and every graceful sweep of his weapon decapitated their terrified enemies. It is said that each Solitaire is the equal of a full squad of lesser warriors.[3b] They are apparently resistant to psychological factors,[2] especially fear.[3c]
Solitaires are among the few that can freely enter the Black Library of Chaos.[5]
Pivotal roles for Solitaires include the Prince of Sins, the Spectre of Despair, and the Thirsting Darkness. [10]
Famous Solitaires
Images
Solitaire[2]
Solitaire miniature (1st edition)[7]
Solitaire miniature[8]
Solitaire miniature (7th edition)[9]
Conflicting sources
- In Dark Heresy Second Edition: Enemies Without, Solitaires are described as having their souls forfeit at the moments of their deaths, outside their god's help: Solitaires, while still touched by Cegorach, have their souls forfeit to Slaanesh, without the Laughing God being able to intervene. Their "Soulless Terror" skill line contain a list of selected talents directing towards an Untouchable talent sheet for reference, although this soullessness is incongruent with the provided lore text that claims they will lose their souls, but they have them as long as alive.[6] The codices from Warhammer 40,000, before and after the release of the RPG supplement, fail to support that. While attributing to the Solitaires a Path of Damnation, that makes them risk their souls, they state they will be fought for by Cegorach, not definitely lost.[1][2][3b][4a] No rules attributing soullessness or abilities similar to those of Untouchables exist either.[2][3c][4b]
See also
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000: Compendium, pg. 187
- 2: Codex: Eldar (2nd Edition), pg. 29
- 3: Codex: Harlequins (7th Edition):
- 4: Codex: Harlequins (8th Edition):
- 5: Realm of Chaos: Slaves to Darkness, pg. 215
- 6: Dark Heresy Second Edition: Enemies Without, pg. 126
- 7: White Dwarf 105 (UK), September 1988, pg. 41 and White Dwarf 106 (UK), October 1988, pg. 17
- 8: Citadel Catalogue 2004-5, pg. 148
- 9: Games-Workshop Solitaire (last accessed 21 March 2015)
- 10: Codex: Aeldari (9th Edition) pg. 111
| Harlequin Forces | |
|---|---|
| Command | High Avatar • High Warlock |
| Specialists | Shadowseer • Death Jester • Solitaire • Warlock • Master Mime |
| Troops | Trouper • Troupe Master • Mime |
| Vehicles | Skyweaver • Starweaver • Eldar Jetbike • Venom |
| Heavy Support | Voidweaver |
| Fortifications | Webway Gate |