Death-maiden

Nyriiall the Veiled, Death-maiden^[2c]

Death-maidens, or Moraegan, are dead House Escher gang-members that have been resurrected by the House's alchymyst fleshteks and turned into Escher's assassins, fixers, and enforcers.^[1]

Rebirth process

Escher Death-maidens are a grim legacy of the Age of Eschaki, a period marked by extensive genetic manipulation and experimentation.^[2b]

During this time, Clan Chymists developed a method to revive the recently deceased with mostly intact bodies through a painful and complex process involving an exotic chemical concoction.^[2b]

Their bodies are placed within amniotic tanks, their blood is turned toxic by a transfusion of chems and the Death-maidens' minds are stripped of whatever shreds of humanity they once had.^[1]

Living Weapon

When successful, the revived Death-maiden retains muscle memory, reflexes, and a significant immunity to pain. However, their blood becomes highly toxic, often weaponized through tubes and needles on their weapons.^[2b]

Despite their enhanced vitality, the chems that sustain them gradually degrade their bodies, and new injuries do not heal as living flesh would.^[2b]

Position within the Clans

Once they are reborn, the Death-maidens are ordered to impose the will of House Escher in the Underhive and usually work alone, unless tasked with joining Escher gangs to enforce the interests of the House. Though it is not unheard of for entire gangs of Death-maidens to gather, when House Escher's matriarch council calls.^[1]

Death-maidens stand apart from the clan’s usual castes and classes, owing allegiance only to the House, the Council of Crones, and the Matriarch Primus. Other Eschers regard them with a mix of fear and awe, partly due to their terrifying appearance, often concealed with veils, face paint, or masks to hide their death scars.^[2b]

Nonetheless, Death-maidens often achieve their revenge and eliminate many enemies of House Escher before their eventual demise.^[2b]