40K Lore: Shadowseers of the Harlequins
Today Loremasters, we discuss the deceitful “psykers” of the Harlequins, if indeed they can be shown to have any psychic powers–or if, as I suspect, they are all just using hallucinogens to give the illusion of power–such deceitful treachery is, after all, the Aeldari way.
Today we are discussing a topic related to the ruinous powers, so I hope you have all recited your Litany Against Fear and Litany Against Corruption. You never know when one or the other might be needed. And this time, the Inquisitorial Board has reviewed our subject matter–so there will be no repeat of last time, will there Loremaster-initiate Crenshaw?
Where to begin? Like all Aeldari, the Harlequins are deceitful and treacherous. Their tactics are cowardly, relying on rapid movement and strikes to accomplish what a dozen good old-fashioned volleys from a battle cannon can. And like all deceitful Aeldari, none of their claims should be taken on face value.
Like their so-called Shadowseers, whom many claim are ‘masters of psychic terror’ and ‘who prey upon the emotions of even the staunchest defender of mankind.’ But these claims are spurious–for as you shall see, it isn’t some kind of psychic phenomena (and really, it would be surprising if the Aeldari managed to produce a powerful psyker, they lack the proper talent and intelligence for it), but rather potent hallucinogens that give them their storied ‘power.’
Shadowseer are specialist “psykers” that belong to the Eldar race and are seen within the ranks of the Harlequins, with their abilities focusing particularly on skills relating to confusion as well as fear. Their presence adds to the potency of any performances by their kin as they release programmed hallucinations by way of their creidann grenade launcher backpacks.
You see? They rely on their grenade launchers to disperse hallucinogenic compounds amid an audience that has been primed by the inexpert capering of the troupe beforehand. Con artistry the likes of which only an Aeldari could conceive.
During masques, a Shadowseer serves the role of a storyteller and forming scintillating phantoms that dance and duel in the air. However, when called to battle, they are able to force visions of unholy terror on their foes or even remove the presence of the Harlequins from their minds completely die at the hands of well-armed and well-trained and most definitely well-supplied squads of Astra Militarum.
These Seers play the role of fate and fortune within their performances with it being said that they know the doom of all their companions – even for the Great Harlequin‘s themselves. These powerful psykers are known for their psychic abilities which are as great as those of a Farseer of the Craftworlds not very powerful human. Shadowseers, in terms of appearance, tend to wear masks like all Harlequins though theirs are uniquely blank and smooth. As such, it is claimed that those who see into their faces often see a different visage reflecting back at them which can either be their own face in a future or alternate time.
Shadowseers are famously the only psykers permitted to open travel within Commorragh, (because they aren’t psychic) where, while distrusted upon, many of them have been found from the warcouncils of Archons, Succubi and Haemonculi.
As you can see the Shadowseers have quite the reputation, so be sure and keep that in mind should you find yourself needing to face them.
Until next time, Loremasters.
