The Daughters of Khaine are a faction in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe, known for their bloodthirsty and fanatical devotion to the elven god Khaine, the Lord of Murder. They are primarily composed of aelf (elven) warrior women who worship Morathi, a powerful and manipulative sorceress, as their leader and prophet.
Key Characteristics
1. *Devotion to Khaine:* The Daughters of Khaine are dedicated followers of Khaine, the aelven god of murder, bloodshed, and battle. Their rituals and practices are steeped in blood and violence, reflecting their god's brutal nature.
2. *Leadership of Morathi:* Morathi, the High Oracle of Khaine, is the central figure in their hierarchy. She is a master manipulator and a powerful sorceress, who has transformed herself into a demi-goddess. Her influence shapes the doctrines and actions of the Daughters of Khaine.
3. *Blood Rites:* The faction's combat prowess is enhanced by their Blood Rites, a series of escalating battle traits that improve their abilities as the battle progresses. These rites include bonuses to hit rolls, wound rolls, and other combat effects.
4. *Units and Structure:*
- *Witch Aelves:* The core infantry, known for their speed, agility, and ferocity in close combat.
- *Sisters of Slaughter:* Elite warriors who use barbed whips and bucklers to strike with deadly precision.
- *Khinerai:* Winged warriors that include the agile and deadly Khinerai Heartrenders and Lifetakers.
- *Melusai:* Serpentine warriors such as the Melusai Blood Sisters and Melusai Blood Stalkers, who combine elven grace with monstrous strength.
- *Cauldrons of Blood:* Large war machines that serve as mobile altars, boosting the morale and combat effectiveness of nearby troops.
5. *Magic and Rituals:* The Daughters of Khaine employ powerful spells and rituals. Morathi and other priestesses can invoke the blessings of Khaine to empower their warriors or curse their enemies.
6. *Transformation and Mutation:* Many members of the Daughters of Khaine undergo physical transformations, reflecting their god's influence and their own fanatical devotion. This is most evident in units like the Melusai and Khinerai, who exhibit serpentine and bat-like features.
Lore and Background
The Daughters of Khaine originate from the remnants of the aelven societies that survived the cataclysmic events of the World-That-Was. Morathi, having endured through guile and sorcery, established the cult of Khaine in the Mortal Realms. She leads her followers from the shadowy enclaves and temple-cities, where they train relentlessly for war and perform gruesome rites in Khaine's honor.
Gameplay
On the battlefield, the Daughters of Khaine are known for their speed, aggression, and the escalating power of their Blood Rites. Their armies are often built around fast, hard-hitting units that excel in close combat. The presence of Cauldrons of Blood and powerful characters like Morathi can significantly enhance their effectiveness.
Cultural Impact
The Daughters of Khaine have gained popularity among Warhammer Age of Sigmar players for their distinctive aesthetic and brutal, yet elegant, combat style. Their models are finely detailed, showcasing a blend of beauty and savagery that embodies their lore. The duality of Morathi's character and the dark allure of the faction's blood-soaked rituals add depth to their narrative appeal.
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