Harlequins release in early 2015? - February 3, Skyweaver jetbike rules leaked

You might want to save a few of your Christmas pennies until February or March - some time in Q1 2015 anyway.  This rumour surfaced on Warseer a couple of days ago.  Posted by Darnok, it comes from someone he calls his "most trusted source".

Now, that's not snow you are seeing outside your window for Christmas, it's salt.  But, IF this turns out to be true, it will be most awesome!  Might also help explain why they were removed from our most recent codex.

Birdy wrote:

After that [Necrons] come .... Harlequins. Multiple plastic kits and clams over several weeks I think including new jetbike riding ones, is there a current or old name for them? These are called sky weavers.

UPDATE - January 2nd, some sprue details (or educated guesses)

duffybear1988 on Warseer wrote:

6 figures included on the sprue (possibly one is a venom crewman).
No seer or jester on the sprue my source has.
Masks are separate to heads and there are far more masks than needed.
Lots of swords/blades for various poses.
Nearly all are in dynamic leaping/dancing poses on Eldar ruins.


I don't know about kisses. Right now I'm just passing on the details as I get them. We discussed it a little last night and think that it's possible there may be another sprue that he doesn't have that comes as part of the box. If that's the case then there may be a jester and seer as well as a troupe master included.
My source has the right contacts at GW and has no reason to make stuff up, but as usual take everything with a pinch of salt.

UPDATE - January 5th, more on basic rules and release kits

Larry Vela on Bols wrote:

http://www.belloflostsouls.net/2015/01/40k-harlequin-codex-rules-latest.html
Harlequins said to have access to the following transports:
-Raiders
-Wave Serpents
-Venoms
-Jetbikes
-Razorwings

Codex is described as:
- "thin"
- contains several formations
- no Lords of War

Relics listed as:
- "Special" Harlequins Kiss
- Mask
- Web of Skulls (remember this from the original Rogue Trader Dark Reaper exarch mini)
- "Special" Shuriken pistol
- a Glaive
- an Orb


via Larry Vela on Bols
Harlequin Release is coming after End Times: Thanquol (unknown if this means immediately afterwards)
Release window is 2 weeks
Release covers, codex, 3 clampacks, 2 minis boxes

Kits described as:

- Seer (clampack)
- Master (clampack)
- Death Jester (clampack)
- Harlequin Troupe
- Harlequin Jetbikes

Salt much on the RW transports?

UPDATE - January 19, from Warseer and Natfka:
http://natfka.blogspot.ca/2015/01/dance-of-death-harlequin-release.html

Natfka wrote:

"Dance of Death": Harlequin Release Imminent!

Harlequins are coming, most likely quicker than expected. The end of this coming weekend's White Dwarf is said to give us the hint, "Dance of Death". Dance of Death is definitely not a reference to Necrons, and it looks like our Harlequin book is just a short couple weeks out.


At This moment we have not seen leaks, so its considered a rumor.

via Archibald_TK on Warseer
End of the Necron WD refers for the following week to "Dance of Death".
So unless the Necrons just discovered an affinity for music...

UPDATE - January 19, From the same source as earlier today:

Natfka wrote:

via Steve the Warboss
Harlequin Release Details
-1 Clampack
-2 Box Sets
-First Set is a Jetbike Unit
-Second Set is a Combi for two Infantry Units

JANUARY 23 - More from Natfka, from a source that supposedly "doesn't miss".  Nevertheless, please keep in mind that these cannot be considered 100% accurate just yet.

Quote :

via an anonymous source on Faeit 212
Here is next week

-Harlequin Troupe: 6 models $40
-Harlequin Solitaire: 1 model $26


-Horus Heresy: Tallarn Executioner John French hardback 125pgs $25
-The Masque of Vyle: by Andy Chambers Hardback 128pages $20
-Path of the Dark Eldar Omnibus: by Andy Chambers paperback 128pgs $17.50
-Warhammer Visions issue 13: 236pgs $12



Also the hints for next week for issue 54 on Saturday 7 Feb
*The Dance Continues
*Exclusive Warhammer 40k Mission
*Some Very Converted Orks

JANUARY 23 - More from Natfka, supposed Solitaire rules:

http://natfka.blogspot.ca/2015/01/solitaire-rules-and-hints-of-whats-to.html

Natfka wrote:

via an anonymous source on Faeit 212
A new Solitaire model. He is in a dynamic pose leaping into the air with one hand out front and his harlequin caress hidden from his target reared back ready to strike the final blow. the model is supported by his jacket on the base. He has a high collar with a demon mask on his face complete with two horns.
infantry (character) unique
WS9 BS9 T3 W3 A6
Wargear
Holosuit, Harlequin's caress, Harlequin's kiss, flip belt

Special Rules
deepstrike, eternal warrior, fear, fearless, fleet, furious charge, hit and run, precision strikes.

Blitz- once per game can blitz. Roll a d6 equal to the turn number, and that is the distance he moves and ignores all models and terrain. When blitzing his attacks are increased to 10.

3+ invul save
Cannot ever be joined by another character, and cannot take warlord traits
Can move 12" in the movement phase.

Can take haywire
may take one item from the "Enigmas of the Black Library" list

Harlequin caress S: user AP -  ,melee, Caress of Death any 6 to hit causes an automatic wound regardless of of toughness at ap2, against vehicles a to hit of 6 auto glances

Harelquin kiss S: user AP- melee, kiss of death. One attack is a kiss of death, resolved at S6 ap2 and if a 6 is rolled its instant death

Flip belt- not slowed by difficult terrain and no penalty for charging through cover. also 2+ look out sir rolls.

[/quote]

JANUARY 23 - Troupe details and new Starweaver transport.

http://natfka.blogspot.ca/2015/01/harlequin-troupe-rules-new-dedicated.html

Natfka wrote:

Unit of harlequin troupes are 4 Players and a Troupe Master according to next week's White Dwarf.

Wargear
Holosuit, shuriken pistol, close combat weapon, plasma grenades, flip belt

Special Rules
Fear, fleet, furious charge, and hit and run

Can include up to 7 additional Players
any model can take a fusion pistol or neuro disruptor 12" S1 AP2 fleshbane

Upgrades are a harlequin's embrace-S: user AP- melee embrace of death gives d3 hammer of wrath attacks at S6, harlequins kiss, and harlequins caress. Any model can upgrade
The Troupe Master can take one item from the Enigmas of the Black Library and can select a Starweaver as a dedicated transport.

UPDATE - January 27, first pics spotted by MarcoAvrelis
http://grotorderly.blogspot.se/

UPDATE - January 30, pre-orders for first week releases are up:



Troupe:

GW wrote:

In battle, Harlequin Troupes move fast and hit hard, relying on speed and skill to annihilate the enemy before they even have time to raise their guns. Once in combat, the Harlequins are in their element, performing a lethal dance of death while their masks shimmer with their foe’s worst fears.

This box contains everything you need to make a 6-man Harlequin Troupe armed with sword and shuriken pistol, including the option to include a Troupe Master. There are 6 sets of legs, all perched on outcrops of rock, with which to form the base of your miniatures. You have the choice of 7 different torso fronts and 5 torso backs, along with 3 extra backs sporting Harlequin jackets. You also get 6 swords of two distinct designs, 6 shuriken pistols, 6 harlequin’s kisses, 2 harlequin’s embraces, 2 harlequin’s caresses, 2 neuro disruptors and 2 fusion pistols. There is a power sword as well should you wish to upgrade your Troupe Master.

Alongside all of these weapon options there are 2 complete masked heads as well as a further 5 heads with space to add one of the 13 individually designed face masks. Also included are 6 weapons pouches.

There is a huge amount of variety for both posing and choosing weapons options and all of the components in this kit are fully interchangeable with the other Harlequin plastic kits.

This multi-part plastic kit contains 80 components with which to make a 6-man Harlequin Troupe. Also included are 6 x 25mm round bases and a Harlequins transfer sheet.

Solitaire:





UPDATE - February 2nd, pictures of Skyweaver jetbikes from forthcoming WD leaked, and February 3rd, rules for jetbikes leaked. ***Still to be confirmed***

http://natfka.blogspot.ca/2015/02/leaked-harlequin-skyweaver-rules.html

You better not be teasing me Gob... I will find you and hurt you if you are

I'm not sure how to feel about this. An entire new army that is basically Eldar in clown costumes...
Not that I'm strictly against adding even more armies to 40k, but there are existing ones that could really use an update. *coughsororitascouch*
And mind you, all the resources GW would put into this new army means less for the others. Space Marine players definitely won't feel any cuts, but for us it could mean being stuck with "dancing bigfoots" for a couple more years.

I can actually imagine a plastik kit for harlequins coming with multiple clams (Shadowseer, Death Jester). But regarding he Jetbikes I guess it will be a re-release of eldar jetbikes as the model is from what? 1992 ?

Klaivex Charondyr wrote:

But regarding he Jetbikes I guess it will be a re-release of eldar jetbikes as the model is from what? 1992 ?

That would be most welcome. Especially if they include bits for Shining Spears, and if those were redesigned to wear long robes (for easier Warlock/Farseer conversions).
One can dream...

I can't really imagin what Harlequins on jetbikes could be good for though.

On second thought, It would not surprise me if GW released a supplement codex for Harlequin-themed Eldar armies along with new general Eldar models. Just like they did with the Iyaden supplement and new Wraith-themed models.

Harlequins do have an army list,-in the Compendium of 1989...

And again in the citadel journal in the mid/late 90's

IF this happens, I can see it being a dataslate, NOT a full Codex release.
I shall prophecy. I see a single plastic multipart kit for Harlequins to accompany the release of a Dataslate/Supplement. The kit will include within it optional extras for the making of Troupe Masters, Solitaries and maybe one other special thing such as a Spiritseer. Doing so will however mean you don't have enough bodies for a basic unit, and thus you shall need to kits.
Yay, for I do also see it maybe also containing little pladtic icons which can easily fit onto Venoms.
I see the Supplement or Dataslate making Harlequinns awesome, and available for both Craftworlders and those of Commoragh, and rendering those found in Codex Eldar pointless.


Seriously.
If this is true, thats really the most I think it'll be.

And if my predictions are spot on, I demand worship for my prophetic powers.

Tengu wrote:

Harlequins do have an army list,-in the Compendium of 1989...

I played that list back in the day! My head will explode if this rumor is at least 50% true.

Squidmaster wrote:

I see the Supplement or Dataslate making Harlequinns awesome, and available for both Craftworlders and those of Commoragh, and rendering those found in Codex Eldar pointless.

That's what I'm guessing and hoping for.

I'd also like a set of Harlequins dressed up like the lesser races. I am sure some would tell tales of Lady Malys, how do you do that without a good ork costume?

Evil Space Elves wrote:

Tengu wrote:

Harlequins do have an army list,-in the Compendium of 1989...

I played that list back in the day! My head will explode if this rumor is at least 50% true.

This!

I am cautiously optimistic. I even have one of the old harlie Jetbike fenders currently serving as a demonic looking storm shield. If they become available again, I'll have to do some fig surgery.

I would love this to be true. If I remember correctly the Solitaire was insane when loaded on a Jetbike. Pretty sure the Harlie army was actually banned in my store specifically because of the solitaire's turn 1 jetbike assault.

I love this! The time for full Elven unification is upon us!

I too have a prophecy, its just gonna be tempestus codex but for harlequins that is all.

Note id rather be cynical and wrong and get the happy surprise then be strung along by a rumor.

But i cant wait for the jetbike i love me some jetbikes

Grimcrimm wrote:

But i cant wait for the jetbike i love me some jetbikes

I'm going to get a few of the old (or current) ones while I still can. And I would recommend everyone who likes the current Harlequin models to do the same with those.
Due to the new Archon and Haemonculus models, I have become cautious about updates.

Something I've heard:

Duffy @ Warseer wrote:

6 figures included on the sprue (possibly one is a venom crewman).
No seer or jester on the sprue my source has.
Masks are separate to heads and there are far more masks than needed.
Lots of swords/blades for various poses.
Nearly all are in dynamic leaping/dancing poses on Eldar ruins.

MarcoAvrelis wrote:

Something I've heard:

Duffy @ Warseer wrote:

6 figures included on the sprue (possibly one is a venom crewman).
No seer or jester on the sprue my source has.
Masks are separate to heads and there are far more masks than needed.
Lots of swords/blades for various poses.
Nearly all are in dynamic leaping/dancing poses on Eldar ruins.

I will explode if half of this is true.

Im wondering....so far interesting bits came with army release. Covens with DE, tempestus with AM, Wraith units with CWE. Does it mean we will have new CWE codex on our hands ?

Azdrubael wrote:

Im wondering....so far interesting bits came with army release. Covens with DE, tempestus with AM, Wraith units with CWE. Does it mean we will have new CWE codex on our hands ?

There will be a new codex eventually, but brobably not that soon. Crimson Slaughter came out a while after the Codex: CSM and Black Legion too.

I don't think any of the Codexes are getting updated for a long, long, long time. I think its going to be all about Campaigns, and Supplements going forward. Which I'm happy about... I can't wait for a Dark Eldar/Eldar campaign...

I think the game would be more healthy with Wave Serpents toned down.

That initial little rumor didn't say anything about the Harlequins being a full army and I doubt they'd get their own entire codex; it's probably going to be a supplement, like Iyanden. Speaking of supplements, I would LOVE to see an updated, 7th edition, non-Forge World Corsair supplement. And on a similar note, I'm surprised that Exodites don't exist in some official capacity. I can see Corsairs and Harlequins as supplements since they combine with both Craftworld and Dark Eldar units, but Exodites should be their own full army.

Though, honestly, any new Eldar anything is good.

Exodites are as likely as Savage Orks, Rogue Trader Mercenaries and Genestealer Cults.
Too specialized and not worth GWs time to produce a whole new army range for what will simply be "Space Wood Elves".

Has there been any developoment on the Harlequins rumours? Or are we all in fact simply waving our "Hope" flags again.......?

Squidmaster wrote:

Exodites are as likely as Savage Orks, Rogue Trader Mercenaries and Genestealer Cults.
Too specialized and not worth GWs time to produce a whole new army range for what will simply be "Space Wood Elves".

Why not? They have a whole army of Wood Elves, and they already have armies that are simply "Space High Elves" and "Space Dark Elves". It doesn't make much sense for them NOT to fully capitalize on it, especially given how many customized Exodite armies I've seen. They should look and play very differently than the existing Eldar forces and it would be a huge expansion to previously unexplored realms of the 40k universe. Plus, WFB has so many more armies than 40k; they need to step it up and give us some more diversity.

Rogue Trader mercs would be a great supplement, but I think you're right about Savage Orks and Genestealer Cults. They're a bit too specialized and very easily modded using existing rules and minis. Rogue Traders however, would make fantastically dramatic and unique models, plus it'd be neat to see a throwback to the origins of 40k. I mean, they have their own entire RPG, so I'd say they're be way more likely than the other two. But anyway, that's a bit of a side track.