Executioner

A group of Executioners.

The Executioners of Har Ganeth are members of the Cult of Khaine, Lord of Murder. ^[2a][4a]

Unlike many other Dark Elves, these heartless murderers take their role as sacred and focus on effective kills rather than enjoyement. Half of their days are spent as a sentry and the other half practicing with their blades. It has been said that a true Executioner knows a way to kill any creature with a single blow, be it decapitation, heart strike or disembowelment. Reaching such proficiency can take decades. ^[4a]

History

They were originally the city guard of Har Ganeth, the spritual hear of the worship of Khaine in Naggaroth. Follwoing a great victory over a High Elf army that attacked the city, thousands of prisoners were beheaded as sacrifices to the God of Murder and the guards who carried out this bloody work were aclaimed and found a regular place in the society. They became simply known as the Executioners of Har Ganeth.^[3a][4a]

Cult of Khaine

In the cult's hierarchy they come after the Witch Elves, brides and priestesses of Khaine. However even a Witch Elf can be punished and sacrificed if she is found wanting.^[3a]

Notable

• Tullaris: current captain of the Executioners, a most merciless, ruthless and feared leader.^[3a]

Weapons, Armour and Equipment

Draich

A Draich is a two-handed weapon, normally a sword or axe. It is the weapon of choice of the executioners in battle. The word 'Draich' represents the act of execution and the skill of the wielder and doesn't mean a particular type of weapon. Each Executioner forges his own Draich blade in the Great Temple to Khaine. ^[3a][4a]

• 4th Edition: Double Handed Axes and Heavy Armour, may have a Magical Standard.^[1c]
• 6th Edition: Draich (Great Weapon) and Light Armour, may have a Magical Standard. May be led by a Draich-master, Musician and Standard Bearer.^[2b]
• 7th Edition: Draich (Great Weapon), Hand Weapon and Light Armour, may have a Magical Standard. May be led by a Draich-master, Musician and Standard Bearer.^[3b]
• 8th Edition: Draich (Great Weapon) and Heavy Armour, may have a Magical Standard. May be led by a Draich-Master, Musician and Standard Bearer.^[4b]

Banner

They have never lost their banner in battle and it show Khaine in his aspect as Executioner with the Rune Thalui - which means vengeance or hatred.^[1a]

Gallery

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  War Banner

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  Executioner

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  Executioners

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  Executioners

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  The Bloodcleave

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  Ossian Guard

Miniatures

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  6th Edition Regiment

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  Executioner Regiment

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  Executioner Command

Quotes

The elite warriors of this city are the Executioners, and they are foremost amongst the warriors of the Witch King. Always ensure you deal well with the lords of Har Ganeth, for no Druchii wishes to feel his neck caressed by their deadly blades. ~[2a]

Conflicting Sources

The ritual armament of the Executioners has been changed. Formerly armed with two-handed great axes ^[1b] they in later editions wield two-handed weapons called Draich .^[2b][4a]

Sources

• 1: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (4th Edition)
  • 1a: Dark Elf Banners, pg. 24
  • 1b: Dark Elf Bestiary, pg. 37
  • 1c: Dark Elf Army List, pg. 51
• 2: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (6th Edition)
  • 2a: The Dark Host, pg. 6
  • 2b: Armies of Naggaroth, pg. 30
• 3: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (7th Edition)
  • 3a: Dark Elf Bestiary, pg. 47
  • 3b: Dark Elf Army List, pg. 96
• 4: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (8th Edition):
  • 4a: Har Ganeth Executioners, pg. 43
  • 4b: Dark Elf Army List, pg. 93