Codex Harlequins Rumor Roundup!

[Bigred]

You read that right!

via [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas"]darnok[/URL] 12-24-2014

As most of you will know, the next release for 40K will be Codex: Necrons at the end of January. But...

Source #1

After that 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.

Apply salt as usual, but this comes from my most trusted source. Unless there is anything big I'm unaware of this should be hitting February, or March at the latest.

Wow, the [URL="http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Harlequins"]Harlequins[/URL] last saw a full Army List in the [URL="http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Warhammer_40,000:_Compendium"]Warhammer Compendium from 1991![/URL]

ia [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas/page8"]Duffybear1988[/URL] 1-2-2015

Harlequin Minis Latest

"My friend has some of the new harlequin sprues and some fantasy stuff that's yet to be released as well! I'm going to see if I can get pics or more details, but he hasn't mentioned jetbikes at all so either they aren't coming out or he doesn't have those bits.

I've seen a blurry phone photo of something and another of a bag filled with sprues I couldn't identify from a quick glance.

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 (Harlequin's) 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."

Harlequin rumors 1-3-2014

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

Rumors rated average, coming from known and unknown sources

Harlequin rumors 1-4-2014

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

Rumors rated average, coming from known and unknown sources

via [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/puZYtlaAXCA/confirmations-of-plastic-harlequin.html"]nightfury[/URL] 1-6-2015

"There are definitely plans for a plastic harley release though the time frame is not set in stone (nothing at GW is truly fixed in place and room is always allowed to alter the release scheduling to their whims.. only the next couple of weeks are put to print) an example of this error is a mention at the back of a recent WD refering to the the photo on the last page in every issue featuring usually the latest completed project of one of the employees in the "hobby bunker" this reference pointed to the weeks before model but looking back it was NOT the model spoken of shedding a little insight to the subtle changes that can happen on the fly with any periodical publication"

Via White Dwarf 1-19-2015

End Teaser says: "The Dance of Death"

via Steve the Warboss 1-19-2015

Regarding Harlequin Minis

-1 Clampack
-2 Box Sets
-First Set is a Jetbike Unit
-Second Set is a Combi for two Infantry Units

via [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/fLcW6npEkN0/solitaire-rules-and-hints-of-whats-to.html"]gary's[/URL] little bird 1-23-2015

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.

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.

via [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/PuQ43fOIvKg/here-are-harlequins-for-next-week.html"]gary's[/URL] little bird 1-23-2015

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

-The Masque of Vyle: by Andy Chambers Hardback 128pages $20

Also the hints for next week for issue 54 on Saturday 7 Feb
*The Dance Continues

via [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/PuQ43fOIvKg/here-are-harlequins-for-next-week.html"]gary's[/URL] little bird 1-23-2015

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.

via Dakkadakka's [URL="http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/270/628189.page#7534936"]Panda[/URL] 1-26-2015

Plastic Jester and Seer should be bringing up the rear of this release. Seeing how they have miniatures, they are the ones without IP risks, while Solitaire, Skyweavers and Starweavers (which also builds a HS alternative) come first.

This might well be a 4 week release, the largest since .. Orks or Space Wolves I believe?

Via [URL="https://www.facebook.com/ForgeTheNarrative?fref=photo"]Forge the Narrative[/URL] 1-26-2015

New Harlequin mini spotted

Harlequins are Official - GW Teaser Released



images via [URL="http://grotorderly.blogspot.de/2015/01/wd-53-pre-release-picts.html"]Grot Orderly[/URL] 1-27-2015

Harlequin Minis

[daboarder]

RUMOR ROUNDUP - CONTINUED

pics via [URL="http://bailedemascarasnegras.blogspot.co.uk/2015/01/harlequins-revelados-reglas-y-miniaturas.html"]Baile de Mascaras[/URL] 1-28-2015

Harlequins in color

Attachment 12520Attachment 12521Attachment 12522Attachment 12523Attachment 12524

Troupe & Solitaire Video




White Dwarf Teaser for Harlequin Week 2: 1-31-2015

Attachment 12575

Also note:

[URL="http://wh40k.lexicanum.com/wiki/Masque_of_the_Midnight_Sorrow"]Masque of the Midnight Sorrow[/URL]

Sounds like the Transport is coming next week.

via [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas/page36"]warseer[/URL] 2-1-2015

Harlequin Star Weaver details:

ezec:
Had a quick glance yesterday at a scan from an upcoming dwarf, with the jetbikes (skyweavers). The profile was there but I couldn't look at it, my source (gw) showed me the scan just to tease me... ;p

The bikes themselves are stunning, they look larger (actually longer) than the existing eldar / DE jetbikes. There are two riders on each : one driver and another harlequin standing at the back.

I didn't have time to see much more, sorry... But from what I saw, they look splendid!

Hendarion:
...Starweaver was rumoured to have a heavy dual-build option - I'm still not convinced, but I do believe them to be separate kits.

via [URL="http://www.bolterandchainsword.com/topic/302399-rumours-harlequins-jetbike-description/"]Bolter & Chainsword [/URL]2-1-2015

Super pixelated image of WD54 seeming to show the upper portion of a 2-man Harlequin vehicle

Attachment 12576

via [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/IuBh8LuWiUk/harlie-bikes-in-packs-of-2-and-codex.html"]gary's[/URL] bird 2-2-2015

source#1
I can confirm Harlequin jetbikes are coming in the next white dwarf

The bikes come in packs of 2, and are described as being well armored, really fast, and they have models on them with multiple weapon load outs. Also the price is the same as the Harlequin Troupe box.

source#2
The codex will be Fridays pre release confirmed by a GW store manager the the other day.

Packs of 2 is a little odd, the Vypers and Jetbikes are both packs of three, although the price is about right if they are larger than the jetbikes, they would be the same price for two instead of 3.

via imgur 2-2-2015

Harlequin vehicles picture
Two different vehicles seen in this pic. closer one is very venom-like, background vehicle is narrower.

bia warseer's [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas&p=7373859&viewfull=1#post7373859"]barjed[/URL] 2-2-2015

BOOM THERE IT IS!
Attachment 12594

via one of [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/xPVCNlDIKWg/leaked-harlequin-skyweaver-rules.html"]gary's[/URL] birds 2-3-2015
Harlequin Skyweaver Rules

WS5 BS4 T4 W2 I6 Sv4+
100pts gets you 2 skyweavers and you may take up to 4 more.
any model can replace the star bolas-12"S6 AP2 blast 1/use only but in addition to bikes guns, with a zephyrglaive-S+1/User AP2/3 Melee. first numbers are for the round they charge

any jetbike can replace the shuriken cannon with a Haywire Cannon 24"S4 AP4 blast haywire

Wargear, each one comes with a Holo-suit, star bolas, mirage launchers-1/game 4++vs shooting, and a skyweaver jetbike

fear, furious charge, and hit and run are the special rules.

image via [URL="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Blood-of-Kittens/281405089788?fref=photo"]blood of kittens[/URL], [URL="https://www.facebook.com/ForgeTheNarrative?fref=photo"]Forge the Narrative[/URL] 2-3-2015

CONFIRMED Skyweaver Rules:
Attachment 12623

via L'Astropate and [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas&p=7376235&viewfull=1#post7376235"]Tiller5[/URL] 2-5-2014

First sightings of the Starweaver transport.

Tiller says:

Just picked up my pre orders from my local shop, and saw this nice bit of artwork on the instruction booklet. Forgive if I'm wrong, as I'm not much of an Eldar player (yes I know I've just bought some Harlequins, but they're so pretty!), but could the craft in the top left be the Starweaver?

Attachment 12657

L'Astropate
Note the blurry vehicle in the upper right behind the jetbikes:
Attachment 12658

via [URL="http://forum.spikeybits.com/showthread.php?21101-Eldar-Skyweaver-Wargears"]Captain Citadel[/URL] 2-6-2015

Starweaver Equipment & WD Teasers
Attachment 12659Attachment 12660Attachment 12661

Yeah - those Star Bolas are dirty!

Via Spikey Bits YouTube 2-6-2015




via one of Gary's [URL="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/Faeit212/~3/6ZLdEmJI81o/this-weeks-preorders-harlequin-codex.html"]birds[/URL] 2-9-2015

CODEX: HARLEQUINS
A 96 page full colour hardback Codex that contains new background, artwork, colour schemes and rules for the harlequins. RRP £30

HARLEQUIN STARWEAVER
A Multipart plastic kit making either a fast moving troop carrier or a heavy weapons platform called a Voidweaver for Harlequins.
RRP £25

WARRIORS OF THE LAUGHING GOD: A HARLEQUINS PAINTING GUIDE
A 168 page full colour paperback step-by-step painting guide for Harlequins.
RRP £20

All released next Saturday (Feb 21), pre-orders on this Saturday (Feb 14).

Via [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas/page59"]Warseer[/URL] 2-09-2015

----------------------------------------------
ORIGINAL POST
And still no sisters.......


Stupid company

[Archmike]

Harlequin Rumor Roundup Continued

via [URL="http://imgur.com/a/poSEY"]CaptainCitadel[/URL] (imgur) 2-10-2015

New Harlequin kit is a combo kit, making skimmers Starweaver/Voidweaver

via dakkadakka 2-10-2015


-------------------------------
Original Post

And still no sisters.......


Stupid company

I second this.


On the plus side, Harlequins! :O I'll belive it when it happens tbh.

[Archmike]

Harlequin Rumor Roundup (Continued)

via Warseer's [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas&p=7383355&viewfull=1#post7383355"]aracerssx[/URL] 2-13-2015

[URL="http://imgur.com/a/Y0n3X"]Harlequin Psychic Powers & Enigmas of the Webway:[/URL]
Attachment 12777Attachment 12778Attachment 12779


Pics from the Harlequin painting guide preview from iTunes
Attachment 12772Attachment 12773Attachment 12774Attachment 12775Attachment 12776



ORIGINAL POST
-------------------------------

And still no sisters.......


Stupid company

I second this.

I'll belive this when it happens tbh.

[blueshift]

Harlequin Rumor Roundup Continued

via [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas&p=7383826&viewfull=1#post7383826"]warseer's Manwe[/URL] 2-14-2015
DeathJester & Shadowseer Spotted

Translations for above Formations and Rules

Scans for the Shadowseer and the Deathjester. Special rule with a name perfect for a James Bond film

La Morte Non basta (don't know how to translate this in English: Death is not enough?": if the shuriken canon kills a model in a unit target by the DJ, it passes a test just like it loses 25% of it's models, but with a -2 Cd (U mad, Mask of Secrets?). If the test is failed, the arlequin player choses the direction of the unit flight for this turn (like... right in front of an harlequin unit ready to charge? '-').

There are also some scans for the differents formations in the codex, certains with some restrictions (like "All units must have a starweaver", and others without.

By Gropius in the same topic

1 Troupe + 1 unit of Skyweavers + 1 unit of Voidweavers (Cegorach's Jest)
Every unit with Fleet can run and charge in the same turn from second turn onwards.

3 Troupes + 2 units of Skyweavers + 3 Starweaver +1 unit of Voidweavers
Troupes have to take the Starweavers as dedicated transports? Not Sure but I think the troupes can use Hit and Run to embark on the Starweavers. If Troupe leader is Warlord he can re-roll his trait when using the Harlequin tables.

The full detachment formation
Every unit with Fleet can run and charge in the same turn from second turn onwards. If Troupe leader is Warlord he can re-roll his trait when using the Harlequin tables. Units in the formation re-roll 1s when making invulnarable saves.

ZeroNoRyouki on Warseer translates

The formations are awesome! I'm Italian so I can traslate them for you if you like. This is the first one:

1) 3 Troups, 3 DJ, 3 SS, 1 Solitaire, 2 units of Skyweavers, 1 unit of Voidweavers
Restriction: none
Special rules:
- outstanding performace (you may reroll inv saves of 1 for all the models of the formation)
- emissary of Cegorach (if the troup master is your warlord, you can reroll his harlequin's warlord trait)
- pressing Crescendo (from the beginning of turn 2, all units in this formation with the Fleet special rule can Run and Charge in the same turn) <-- this is huge!

PS: Crescendo is a musical term so i'm leaving as it is

Edit: the other 5..

2) 3 Troupes, 2 units of Skyweavers, 3 Starweavers, 1 unit of Voidweavers

Restrictions:
- each Troupe must take one of the formation Starweavers as a Dedicated Transport

Special rules:
- emissary of Cegorach (if the troup master is your warlord, you can reroll his harlequin's warlord trait)

- the aerial walk (one Troup from this formation can use his Hit&Run to embark in a free Starweaver from this formation. If the Hit&Run rolled distance is enough to move all models within 2" of the Starweaver the Troupe can embark immediately. If a consolidation movement is enough to move all models within 2" of a free Starweaver from this formation the Troupe can embark immediately) !!!

3) "company of actors"
1 Troupe, 1 DJ, 1 SS

Restrictions:
- all models from this formation must deployed as a single unit. DJ & SS can't leave the unit

Special rules:
- crusader
- heralds of the Laughing's God (any models with the Eldar or Dark Eldar faction (friend or foe) within 6" from one or more models of this formation gain the crusader special rule)

4) "Cegorach's jest"
1 Troupe, 1 unit of Skyweavers, 1 unit of Voidweavers

Restrictions:none

Special rules:
- pressing Crescendo (from the beginning of turn 2, all units in this formation with the Fleet special rule can Run and Charge in the same turn)

5) "way of heroes"
1 DS, 1 SS, 1 Solitaire

Restrictions:none

Special rules:
- Infiltrate
- shrouded
- stealth
- a lonesome path (models from this formation cannot join other units and no one can join them)

6) "Faolchu's Blade"
2 units of Skyweavers, 1 unit of Voidweavers

Restrictions:none

Special rules:
- the Wings of Faolchù (you may reroll failed cover saves while jinking with units of this formation)

Let me known if you need any clarification on the leaked DJ & SS pages

Edit2 : I'm reading on another forum (GW Tilea) that "pressing Crescendo" if the special rule for the Harlquins' detachment. The other rule is "emissary of Cegorach"

via warseer's [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas/page82"]ZeroNoRyouki[/URL] 2-15-2014

Harlequin Warlord Traits:

- DJ and SS can roll a D6 on the BRB tables or a D3 (that's not a typo) on the Harlequins ones
- The Troupe master can roll a D6 on every tables (BRB & codex)

"Light" table

1) the warlord reroll all to-hit of 1 (shooting & cc) and all saves of 1
2) 4+ inv for the the warlord
3) the warlord and his unit can add 1" every time they move (movement, running, charging, fall back, regroup, hit&run, consolidation, sweep etc etc)
4) you can add 4 to any roll to steal the initiative
5) before deployment, choose up to D3 units from your primary detachment. every unit gain one of: deep strike, infiltrate, scout (choose as you like)
6) immediately after deployment and after scout moves, you can remove from the table your warlord and/or up to other D3 friendly units with the Harlequins faction within 12" of the warlord. Any units removed this way may immediately deployed using normal deploiment rules or put in Reserve

"twilight" table

1) the warlord reroll all to-hit of 1 (shooting & cc) and all saves of 1
2) 4+ inv for the the warlord
3) the warlord and his unit can add 1" every time they move (movement, running, charging, fall back, regroup, hit&run, consolidation, sweep etc etc)
4) if the mission use variable lenght, you can add or substract 2 to the roll to determine if the game ends
5) any to-wound roll of 6 made by the warlord in close combat (or any to-wound roll of 5+ while making a Kiss of Death attack) gain the Instant Death special rule
6) once per game your warlord and his unit can make a "mirror leap" instead of moving: they can move 24", moving over other models and terrains like in open terrain but cannon end over other models or in impassable terrains. They cannot charge in the same turn

"darkness" table

1) the warlord reroll all to-hit of 1 (shooting & cc) and all saves of 1
2) 4+ inv for the the warlord
3) the warlord and his unit can add 1" every time they move (movement, running, charging, fall back, regroup, hit&run, consolidation, sweep etc etc)

4) enemy units in base contact with the warlord or his unit must roll an additional D6 while taking Fear or Morale tests

5) at the end of the game, before declaring the winner, you can move one time only your warlord and his unit like in the movement phase, than they can run or shoot like in the shooting phase, and, next, if you so desire, can charge and fight a single turn of combact like in the assault phase (the adversary can overwath and fight normally). If your warlord is locked in combat at the end of the game, he and his unit can only choose to fight an additional turn of combat. If the warlord unit is embarked, it can disembark but the transport cannot move or shoot. After the warlord and his unit have done this extra action the game end (finally I may say...)

6) if your warlord is removed from play while in a challenge, the players roll out immediately: if you win the roll out or if it is a tie the adversary of your warlord is removed as well

via warseer's [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas&p=7383826&viewfull=1#post7383826"]Manwe[/URL] 2-15-2014

Harlequin Deathjester

WS5 BS5 S3 T3 W2 I7 A3 Ld10 Sv -

Holosuit, Shuriken Shrieker Cannon, Flipbelt

Fear

Fleet

Furious Charge

Hit & Run

Independent Character

Precision Shot

Can buy Haywire Grenades, Enigmas of the Black Library

Death is Not Enough: If an enemy unit suffers casualties from the Shrieker cannon, it must make a Ld. check at -2. If it fails, the Jeath Jester determines which direction the units falls back on it's initial fallback move!


Harlequin Shadowseer

WS6 BS4 S3 T3 W2 I7 A3 Ld10 Sv -

Holosuit, Grenade Launcher, Shuriken Pistol, Mistave Flipbelt

Fear

Fleet

Furious Charge

Hit & Run

Independent Character

Psyker (lvl1, upgradable to Lvl2) (Phantasmancy, Daemonology, Telepathy)

Can buy Haywire Grenades, Neuro-disruptor, Enigmas of the Black Library

Confirmed from the physical codex:

by Warseer's [URL="http://www.warseer.com/forums/showthread.php?403593-A-Laugh-For-Christmas&p=7387951&viewfull=1#post7387951"]ZeroNoRyouki[/URL] 2-19-2015

Harlequin Tactical Objectives
11) Dance of Death
You gain 1 VP at the end of your turn if at least one enemy unit was destroyed during your turn

12) Hit and run
You gain 1 VP at the end of your turn if at least one friendly unit Hit&Run off a combat during your turn. If 3 or more unit do it, you gain D3 VP instead

13) Tricks and pitfalls
When you generate this objective, both players secretly select one objetive marker. You gain 1 VP at the end of your turn if you control one of those markers. If you control both or if you control one that was selected by both players, you gain D3 VP instead

14) The joy of lament
You gain 1 VP at the end of your turn if at least 1 enemy unit failed a Morale, Pinning or Fear test during your turn

15) Appears on the scene
You gain 1 VP at the end of your turn if you control the objective marker whose number equals the turn number. Can't be obtained from turn 7 onward [you don't say....]

16) Main attraction
(I'm rewording it)
At the end of the game you gain:
- 1 VP if your Warlord is alive. OR
- D3 VP if your Warlord is alive and the enemy one is not. OR
- D3 + 3 VP if your Warlord killed the enemy one during a challenge

Harlequin Allies
BB: Eldar and Dark Eldar
Conv: Imperium and Tau
Desperate: Orks
Apoc: everything else

You can't use the CAD or Allied detachment (because we have no HQ) so yes, only formations and masque detachment

Any Character can be the Warlord

ORIGINAL THREAD
----------------------------------

And still no sisters.......


Stupid company

yeah. but if they're going to do eldar, at least do exodites!

[Path Walker]

Via [URL="http://forum.spikeybits.com/showthread.php?20722-Codex-Eldar-Harlequins-Rumor-Round-Up/page2"]Spikey Bits Forum[/URL] 2-20-2015

Shadowseer and Death Jester Rules from the White Dwarf

Original Thread
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

And still no sisters.......


Stupid company

Sisters got a codex this year.

Harlequins will sell. Sisters never did.

[ElectricPaladin]

And still no sisters.......


Stupid company

What has risen may fall; what has fallen my rise.

[Caldera02]

WOW....left field anyone?

[Bahkara]

Of course, because eldar need the help.

[daboarder]

I dunno man. I get this weird kick seeing everytime he comes up with some new innacurate information with which to defend his liege.