Handmaiden of the Everqueen
The Handmaidens of the Everqueen, also known as the Maiden Guard are the bodyguards of the Everqueen, currently Alarielle[1a], and the highest ranking of all the Sisters of Avelorn
The Maiden Guard is an elite unit of High Elves consisting of warrior women who serve as the most trusted courtiers of the Everqueen. They form a regiment of a hundred Elf-maids who have been schooled in the arts of war to such an extent that they equal, or even exceed, that of the greatest Elven knights in the use of spear or bow. These beautiful warriors accompany the Everqueen at all times, serving as her advisors as well as her bodyguards. [2]
History
It was the second Everqueen, Yvraine that formed the Maiden Guard after the she took up the role of spiritual ruler of the Elves. One hundred of her bravest and most loyal followers volunteered to protect her from the threats that had claimed her mother and they were taught by the finest weapon masters of Ulthuan. [5]
Notable
- Althinelle: Captain of the Maiden Guard for Yvraine who could speak through her. [7a]
Role
The Handmaidens are not mere courtiers and attendants, but a warrior guard whose duty is to serve and protect their mistress. Only those with great natural gifts are chosen, the most talented singers and musicians, the most beautiful, the fleetest and most graceful, but above all the most loyal. It is an incomparable honour to serve the Everqueen and those bound to her side will remain there for seven years, during which time they forswear all other companionship and even the company of their families. [1]
To serve as a Handmaiden is a great honour. It is most commonly bestowed only upon those Sisters of Avelorn who have many times proven their swiftness with blade, their precision with bow and, above all, an unswerving loyalty to the Everqueen. On rare occasion, however, the Everqueen will elevate a member of her court directly into the ranks of the Handmaidens. Such appointments are seldom explained, but require the aspirant to forswear allegiance to all others for a period of seven years - at the conclusion of which, she is free to remain a Handmaiden or return to her former life.[3a]
Tradition dictates that the Handmaidens always number one hundred warrior-maids, but seldom are more than a handful seen at any one time. They normally serve as heralds and messengers for the Everqueen, acting as her eyes and ears outside Avelorn. Should a Handmaiden grace a battlefield with her presence, she is treated with reverence by the High Elves who fight at her side. Even the haughtiest of princes rejoices to have such a warrior fighting in his cause, for the presence of a Handmaiden is a clear sign of the Everqueen’s favour, and moreover a portent of ultimate victory. Should the prince find his forces buttressed by the full complement of one hundred Handmaidens, he will know that the Everqueen herself has joined the fight, and there can be no surer sign that dire times are close at hand.[3a]
Weapons and Equipment
The Handmaidens are protected by Ithilmar[6] corselets, favouring the Spear and Bow as weapons. [1]
- 5th Edition: Banner of Avelorn, Light Armour, Long Bow, Spear, may carry the Horn of Isha. [1]
- 6th Edition: Banner of Avelorn, Heavy Armour, Long Bow, Spear, may carry the Horn of Isha. [4]
- 8th Edition: Bow of Avelorn, Light Armour, Spear, may carry the Horn of Isha or Magic Items. [3b]
- W:TOW: Bow of Avelorn, Handmaidens Spear, Ithilmar Hand Weapon, Light Armour. May replace Light Armour with Heavy Armour. May carry the Horn of Isha. May have Magic Items. [6]
- Banner of Avelorn: Woven from the hair of maidens and living leaves, it can forstall living enemies that attempt to charge the Handmiadens. [1]
- Horn of Isha: Created from a single pearl white seashell, it summons the power of the goddess, increasing the speed and power of the nearby Handmaidens. [1]
Gallery
Alarielle leads her Maiden Guard into battle.
Handmaiden
Miniatures
Maiden Guard led by Alarielle.
Maiden Guard led by Alarielle.
Handmaiden
Handmaiden
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (5th Edition): High Elf Special Characters, pg. 86
- 2: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (7th Edition), pg. 10
- 3: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (8th Edition)
- 4: Warhammer Chronicles (2003): Alarielle, pg. 115
- 5: White Dwarf 213 (UK): Defenders of Avelorn, pg. 55
- 6: Forces of Fantasy (TOW): The High Elf Realms, pg. 159
- 7: The Sundering (anthology) (Time of Legends edition): Caledor (Novel) by Gav Thorpe]]
- 7a: Seven: The Road to Chrace, pg. 792-793
