Trouper
Troupers, also called Rilletann, are the most numerous Harlequin warriors. Together with any attached characters, they form a performing band known as a Harlequin Troupe, the most common unit in a Harlequin Masque. The main body of any company of Harlequins will be troupers, who perform as the chorus on both the stage and battlefield.[1]
Roles
They choose a Light, Twilight, or Dark role, and are led by a Troupe Master, Each Harlequin belongs to one of three type of Troupes:[3b]
- the Light (headstrong, aggressive, and heroic), identified with a Prism
- the Dark (vindictive and flamboyant), identified with a Heart
- the Twilight (obsessively precise and detailed), identified with the four-pointed Star
Player
Harlequin players are the standard members of the troupe, able to tumble, sprint, leap, and whipcord kick to the throat in worship of The Laughing God.[4]
Mimes
Harlequins play many different roles over time, changing masks and aspects time and again. Those perfecting their first role among players are are known as Mimes.[4]
Virtuosos
Amongst the Troupe are certain Players, known as Virtuosos, whose roles emphasise the use of specialist weaponry, the better to unleash elegantly hideous destruction.[4]
Equipment
Every Trouper wears a mask to conceals their identity while evoking the character whose role they play. A Harlequin’s mask can change its features by the moment, displaying shifting features to aid their performance. In battle, those who look into the mask of a Trouper see their worst fears reflected back at them, an inescapable psychoresponsive bombardment that distracts and terrifies in equal measure.[3a]
Typical armament for Troupers include Shuriken Pistols, Fusion Pistols, Neuro Disruptors, Power Swords, Harlequin's Kiss, Harlequin's Caress, Harlequin's Embrace, and Plasma Grenades.[3c]
Images
A Harlequin Trouper
Harlequin players.[5b]
Harlequin players fight Imperial Guardsmen[5c]
Miniatures
Harlequin Troupe (2006)
Harlequin Troupe (2015)
Sources
- 1: Warhammer 40,000 Compendium, pg. 185
- 2: Games Workshop
- 3: Codex: Harlequins (8th Edition):
- 4: HARLEQUIN TROUPE KILL TEAMS (saved archive, last accessed 9th May 2023)
- 5: Codex: Harlequins (7th Edition):
| Harlequin Forces | |
|---|---|
| Command | Great Harlequin • High Warlock • Mimic |
| Specialists | Shadowseer • Death Jester • Solitaire |
| Troops | Trouper • Troupe Master • Mime |
| Vehicles | Harlequin Dreadnought • Harlequin Jetbike • Skyweaver • Starweaver |
| Heavy Support | Voidweaver |
| Fortifications | Webway Gate |
