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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
Adding details from Citadel Journal 17
{{HarlequinsPortal}}
[[Image:Female Shadowseer.jpg|thumb|right|220px|Female {{PAGENAME}} in the heat of battle with [[Orks]]{{Fn|5b}}]]
'''{{PAGENAME}}s''' or ''esdainn'', sometimes '''Shadow Seer'''{{Fn|13}}, and known in prior editions as '''Warlocks''', are significant characters in [[Harlequin]] [[Troupe]]s.{{Fn|1}}
==Overview==
Shadowseers are specialist [[Phantasmancy|phantasmancer]] [[psyker]]s 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 [[Pack Grenade Launcher|''creidann'' grenade launcher backpacks]]. During masques, a Shadowseer serves the role of a storyteller, 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.{{Fn|1}}
During masques, a Shadowseer serves the role of a storyteller, 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.{{Fn|1}} These [[Seer]]s 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 the potency of their psychic abilities, which are as great as those of a [[Farseer]] of the [[Craftworld]]s.{{Fn|2}} Shadowseers eschew runes, drawing their power instead directly from [[Cegorach]]{{Fn|13}}. 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.{{Fn|2}}
Shadowseers are famously the only psykers permitted to openly travel within [[Commorragh]], where, while distrusted, many of them have been found in the war councils of [[Archons]], [[Succubi]], and [[Haemonculi]].{{Fn|3}}
Every Shadowseer carries a [[Miststave]] — a weapon that directs their mental forces to crush the enemy's armour, flesh, and bones. They are also frequently equipped with a ''Creidann'' [[Pack Grenade Launcher]].{{Fn|5a}} Shadowseers sometimes travel with familiars including the [[Gyrinx]]{{Fn|10}} or the psychic-puppet [[Benathai]]{{Fn|12}}
All '''Shadowseers''' are trained by other Shadowseers and with their mentors visit the [[Shadow Keep]], a location in the webway known onloy to Shadowseers rumored to be on the ancient Eldar Homeworld, hidden within the [[Black Library]], or the hidden mystic heart of the [[Webway]] where [[Cegorach|The Laughing God]] yet lives. Whatever the truth is, Shadowseers speak of it to no one.{{Fn|13}}
Pivotal roles for '''Shadowseers''' include '''Agent of Pandemonium''', the '''Gloom Spider''' and the '''Mirror Architect'''{{Fn|9}}
===Acolyte===
Acolytes as Players in a [[Harlequin Troupe]] who have received special training from the troupe's '''Shadowseer''', teaching them to use psychic powers in the fight alongside the rest of their Troupe for a deadlier combination.{{Fn|13}}
Acolytes fight alongside their '''Shadowseer''' as they learn, and may earn the use of the ''Creidann'' [[Pack Grenade Launcher]]. In time, their Shadowseer might consider them prepared and take them alone to the [[Shadow Keep]], where they are subjected to brutal tests of sanity and willpower. Those who pass emerge vastly more powerful as full Shadowseers. Those who fail are never seen again.{{Fn|13}}
===High Warlock===
