10
edits
Changes
From Warhammer 40k - Lexicanum
m
→Saedath
{{Main|Saedath}}
[[Image:FrozenStarsUltramarines.jpg|thumb|right|200px|The [[Masque of the Frozen Stars]] battle [[Ultramarines]].{{Fn|7c}}]]
Each of the Masque's mythic plays has a battlefield counterpart, known as the '''Saedath''' or '''Masque Form'''. Essentially a strategic battle plan with an allegorical aspect, these inform target priority, overall strategy, and by which troupe division the conflict will be led. The appropriate Saedath is chosen based upon mythic cycles, ritual significance, or even the time of day.{{Fn|14b}} '''''Cegorach's Revenge''''' is the most performed Saedath by all Harlequins. It is the military counterpart of the [[Fall of the Eldar]].{{Fn|14b}} Other Saedaths are performed less often, and yet others are performed by a particular [[Masque]].{{Fn|14f}}
====The Dance Without End====
[[Image:TheDance.png|thumb|right|180px|Harlequins engaging in '''The Dance'''{{Fn|1}}]]
''"The Dance"'' is the greatest of the Harlequins' plays, its . Its [[Saedath]], '''Cegorach's Revenge''', telling tells of the [[Fall of the Eldar]]. It is performed only rarely as only [[Solitaire]]s (who often stay distant from even the rest of the Harlequins) are capable of playing the role of Slaanesh. Nine troupers dance the part of the old race, while three Avatars dance the part of the Fallen Gods. As the dance reaches the climax of the Fall, the Solitaire leaps into view, appearing as Slaanesh.{{Fn|1}}
One by one, seven figures appear behind Slaanesh to mingle with the old race. First are four Mimes, appearing as daemons who pass their sensual and disturbing movements to the rest of the dancers. Secondly come three dark figures, the Death Jesters, their suits displaying skeletons as they leap and slay among the fallen gods, bringing their inert forms to the feet of Slaanesh. As the last god falls, the Warlocks emanate a psychic scream that echoes through the minds of the audience. The scream becomes a laugh of madness and depravity. As the High Avatar enters, there is within the laugh, another, ironic laugh. As the Laughing God, he strolls casually onstage, laughing at the cosmic folly of the fallen. For a moment he is lost among Slaanesh's servants, then leaps clear of their tumbling to face them. One of the dancers he drags free of Slaanesh, the writhing figures on the dancer's suit dissolving and taking on the lozenge pattern of the Laughing God. The rest of Slaanesh's servants fall or flee, at which point Slaanesh confronts the Laughing God. The battle, which seems to go on forever, ends suddenly, unresolved.{{Fn|1}}
