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From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
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==Overview==
[[Imagefile:Solitaire New.jpg|220px|thumb|right|Solitaire before striking a killing blow{{Fn|3a}}]]The strangest and deadliest of the Harlequins,{{Fn|2}} they are outsiders, even among the Harlequins, and roam the universe alone living anonymously for years or even decades{{Fn|1}}, only on occasion joining a masque for a single performance or battle as the fancy takes them.{{Fn|3b}} They almost always fight as individuals, with no specific battlefield role to play, acting as they choose.{{Fn|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.{{Fn|1}}{{Fn|3b}} They are forbidden from speaking with or even associating with the other [[Eldar]].{{Fn|2}} It is said that solitaires, having been so touched by the [[Cegorach|Great Harlequin]] to have his unique insight into the [[Fall of the Eldar]] and the nature of the universe.{{fn|1}} They walk unseen, unnoticed, unknown across the universe, sometimes even among other races.{{Fn|1}}
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.{{Fn|1}} Solitaires are among the few that can freely enter the [[Black Library of Chaos]].{{Fn|5}} Pivotal roles for '''Solitaires''' include the '''Prince of Sins''', the '''Spectre of Despair''', and the '''Thirsting Darkness'''.{{Fn|10}} Solitaires are chosen by [[Cegorach]]{{Fn|1}} to tread upon the Path of Damnation and forfeit their essence to [[Slaanesh]], fated to be claimed by the Prince of Excess.{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3b}}{{Fn|4a}} At their death, Cegorach himself fights for their souls in an uneven battle with the [[Chaos God]] Slaanesh,{{Fn|2}}{{Fn|3b}} a battle the [[Laughing God]] is only able to win through trickery.{{Fn|2}}
