What do you think?
Rate this book
Path of the Dark Eldar #Novella
The Masque of Vyle
Even amongst the eldar, the Harlequins are a capricious, mysterious breed. When a troupe of these deadly warrior-performers discovers a dead Craftworld festering in the webway, they are determined to find the one responsible and exact punishment. Using the ancient craft of their Shadowseer, the trail of destruction leads the troupe to the Sable Marches, a fringe realm of the dark eldar. With several possible suspects of this heinous crime, the Harlequins decide to draw out the guilty one by staging the Masque of Vyle for the archons, a performance that will expose the truth and lead, fatally, to the perpetrator.
The Masque of Vyle is archaic ritual performance, used to lure out the guilty to face the fickle justice of the harlequins. Amongst the Dark Eldar however, there are plenty of guilty souls. This tale gives a fascinating insight into both the splinter realms of Commorragh, and the enigmatic rituals of the Laughing Gods followers.
The Masque of Vyle is archaic ritual performance, used to lure out the guilty to face the fickle justice of the harlequins. Amongst the Dark Eldar however, there are plenty of guilty souls. This tale gives a fascinating insight into both the splinter realms of Commorragh, and the enigmatic rituals of the Laughing Gods followers.
128 pages, Hardcover
First published February 1, 2013
19 people are currently reading
248 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
December 7, 2017
Essentially W40K version of Poe's "Masque of Red Death" with Dark Eldars trapped on a savage Death World by a malfunctioning Webway portal and a Troupe of Harlequins playing the role of a vengeful Death... and much more.
Just best Warhammer 40000 novella I have ever read, and cover by artist Neil Roberts is a real masterwork.
March 9, 2013
Okay, before anyone brings it up in the comments: Joker Joker Joker, danced with the Devil in the pale moonlight, why so serious?
Everyone got that out of their system? Good.
Even amongst the minor factions of the 40K universe the Harlequins are a group which most authors seem to have made a point of never going near. Never mind the fact that writing about the psychic ninja elves is hard enough to do right, writing about a god’s personal attack jesters is a difficult to be written seriously. Especially when so much time and emphasis is placed upon how mysterious they are even to the eldar themselves. The Masque of Vyle however? It manages to shed light upon them but in the right way, emphasising upon their role in judicial events.
Having found a craftworld dead and drifting within the realms of the webway, a troupe of Harlquins investigate the vessel to find it ransacked and corrupt beyond repair. Worse still, others of their race are responsible for this act. Travelling to the outlying realms of Commorragh they begin a plan to draw out the perpetrator by staging a masque for the archons.
The first thing to praise is the style in which it’s written, mostly because it’s one which would not work in any other novella. The book moves into its chosen location with high speed and begins introducing its troupe on the first page, giving little to no time for the reader to really adjust to them. Distancing the characters from the reader and creating a sense of disconnection. This means that no matter how they are presented or what information is given they still feel like an enigma, though thankfully information is given sparingly.
We learn little about the characters themselves, more the roles in which they perform and how it shapes them in terms of personality and performance. The one thing which Path of the Warrior spent so much time trying but largely failing to get right. This allows the book to use them to give information on the Harlequins as a whole in subtle or minute ways. Yes I just used the word subtle in relation to a book with killer elf jesters as the focus. The dark eldar are the same, frequently being used to detail the sadistic, scheming nature of their species Commorragh. Plus just how morally bankrupt they truly are in their desires to attain power.
The reason this works here rather than elsewhere is that the eldar are supposed to be unknowable rather than directly relatable to humans. While this wouldn’t have worked for a full length book, the 125 page novella is just short enough for this to not become an issue. It’s also helped by many of the surreal aspects which come into play with the Harlequins, minor theatrical details or notes about the which change depending upon events taking place. While they might come across as a little cartoonish, the way they’re handled in environmental details comes across as strangely befitting the novel even during their most overt moments.
So for all this you’d think this is a great short story right? Well not exactly.
While the occasional moment of being told something rather than seeing it is forgivable, there’s no denying it’s very flawed at its core; failing spectacularly as a murder mystery. Along with only having three suspects it’s easily predictable who the perpetrator is. Something not helped by the fact the Harlequins are effectively, unintentionally or not, bumping off suspects one at a time. This combined with the lack and without any twists or developments just turns it into a waiting game until they get to the right person. There’s a reason Mrs Marple never went around snapping suspects necks because you know a killing spree will result in the murderer being taken out no matter what happens. The only thing which really keeps the book going after the troupe begin performing is the details of the performances themselves and a new, but very fitting, reveal about the nature of the Solitaires who accompany them.
It’s hard to say how the novel could have been done better given its focus but there’s no doubting that the eventual result is very flawed. While I do definitely recommend picking this one up for the same reason Demon World had its appeal, background insights and fleshing out the universe, it you want a true story you’ll want to look elsewhere.
Everyone got that out of their system? Good.
Even amongst the minor factions of the 40K universe the Harlequins are a group which most authors seem to have made a point of never going near. Never mind the fact that writing about the psychic ninja elves is hard enough to do right, writing about a god’s personal attack jesters is a difficult to be written seriously. Especially when so much time and emphasis is placed upon how mysterious they are even to the eldar themselves. The Masque of Vyle however? It manages to shed light upon them but in the right way, emphasising upon their role in judicial events.
Having found a craftworld dead and drifting within the realms of the webway, a troupe of Harlquins investigate the vessel to find it ransacked and corrupt beyond repair. Worse still, others of their race are responsible for this act. Travelling to the outlying realms of Commorragh they begin a plan to draw out the perpetrator by staging a masque for the archons.
The first thing to praise is the style in which it’s written, mostly because it’s one which would not work in any other novella. The book moves into its chosen location with high speed and begins introducing its troupe on the first page, giving little to no time for the reader to really adjust to them. Distancing the characters from the reader and creating a sense of disconnection. This means that no matter how they are presented or what information is given they still feel like an enigma, though thankfully information is given sparingly.
We learn little about the characters themselves, more the roles in which they perform and how it shapes them in terms of personality and performance. The one thing which Path of the Warrior spent so much time trying but largely failing to get right. This allows the book to use them to give information on the Harlequins as a whole in subtle or minute ways. Yes I just used the word subtle in relation to a book with killer elf jesters as the focus. The dark eldar are the same, frequently being used to detail the sadistic, scheming nature of their species Commorragh. Plus just how morally bankrupt they truly are in their desires to attain power.
The reason this works here rather than elsewhere is that the eldar are supposed to be unknowable rather than directly relatable to humans. While this wouldn’t have worked for a full length book, the 125 page novella is just short enough for this to not become an issue. It’s also helped by many of the surreal aspects which come into play with the Harlequins, minor theatrical details or notes about the which change depending upon events taking place. While they might come across as a little cartoonish, the way they’re handled in environmental details comes across as strangely befitting the novel even during their most overt moments.
So for all this you’d think this is a great short story right? Well not exactly.
While the occasional moment of being told something rather than seeing it is forgivable, there’s no denying it’s very flawed at its core; failing spectacularly as a murder mystery. Along with only having three suspects it’s easily predictable who the perpetrator is. Something not helped by the fact the Harlequins are effectively, unintentionally or not, bumping off suspects one at a time. This combined with the lack and without any twists or developments just turns it into a waiting game until they get to the right person. There’s a reason Mrs Marple never went around snapping suspects necks because you know a killing spree will result in the murderer being taken out no matter what happens. The only thing which really keeps the book going after the troupe begin performing is the details of the performances themselves and a new, but very fitting, reveal about the nature of the Solitaires who accompany them.
It’s hard to say how the novel could have been done better given its focus but there’s no doubting that the eventual result is very flawed. While I do definitely recommend picking this one up for the same reason Demon World had its appeal, background insights and fleshing out the universe, it you want a true story you’ll want to look elsewhere.
December 15, 2015
Andy Chambers show us once again that when it comes to the tales of the true kin, he's the master!
The entire story is essentially the Masque of the Red Death in space! with Dark Eldar and Harlequins.
The language, the setting and the characters are all very fitting and it's great fun to read. The only downside is the last few lines where Motley just doesn't feel like he stays in character.
The entire story is essentially the Masque of the Red Death in space! with Dark Eldar and Harlequins.
The language, the setting and the characters are all very fitting and it's great fun to read. The only downside is the last few lines where Motley just doesn't feel like he stays in character.
March 29, 2014
Very Shakespearean in how a troupe of deadly Harlequin stalk a murderer of a Craftworld and play their psych games on him. Excellent short read that shows nuance in both Eldar and Dark Eldar cultures while presenting the overarching mythology of both cultures.
March 2, 2015
A wonderful read for all us Harlequin fans. To see them come to life in this novella is a wonderful experience.
October 21, 2025
I found this really hard to follow.
You get about 8 characters introduced in the first chapter, followed by 4 more mid way. All of them have unpronounceable names, and in the case of Vyle he has multiple names/titles.
The pacing is abruptly fast past the 3rd chapter, and it was confusing following the audience watching a play, a play which was dictated by a member of the audience BUT also included as a character in the play...mixed with hallucinogenic gas that made the audience fooled by the atmosphere of the play where they were living the play itself...but also the play is all smoke and mirrors...
Throw in about 8 more gods in the play to follow and discern, all in about 100 pages total. I don't know if it's the writing that's confusing, or the editing, or both but something in this book is off. I got so bored during some parts as well and had to re-read several pages. I was in a literary maze with no clear exit or path and I just had to blindly stumble forward in hopes of finding an end.
You get about 8 characters introduced in the first chapter, followed by 4 more mid way. All of them have unpronounceable names, and in the case of Vyle he has multiple names/titles.
The pacing is abruptly fast past the 3rd chapter, and it was confusing following the audience watching a play, a play which was dictated by a member of the audience BUT also included as a character in the play...mixed with hallucinogenic gas that made the audience fooled by the atmosphere of the play where they were living the play itself...but also the play is all smoke and mirrors...
Throw in about 8 more gods in the play to follow and discern, all in about 100 pages total. I don't know if it's the writing that's confusing, or the editing, or both but something in this book is off. I got so bored during some parts as well and had to re-read several pages. I was in a literary maze with no clear exit or path and I just had to blindly stumble forward in hopes of finding an end.
February 18, 2021
A sometimes brilliant, and sometimes frustrating Black Library novella. This work is rare in that it centralizes it's protagonists as Harlequins within the Eldar faction. They are effectively hunting a Drukhari Archon while recreating Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death". While Chambers' literary conceit sometimes manifests in surprising ways, it's ending is utterly sapped of all energy. This is one of the rarer later Black Library works that feels like another strong edit could have helped with redundancies and fixing the ending to offer equal parts insight and impact.
Still, there is a charm here that is undeniable, and a rare point of view explored within the Warhammer 4o,000 setting.
Still, there is a charm here that is undeniable, and a rare point of view explored within the Warhammer 4o,000 setting.
August 5, 2019
It's a fairly straightforward 40k-ified version of Poe's "Red Death," but the setting is fun and the characters are intriguing. Not much here for the casual sci-fi fan (unless you just really love pastiche), but very cool descriptions of the Aeldari factions and how they think about themselves and each other.
February 3, 2022
This was a short novel/novella about the Harlequins. While I came into this not knowing much about this faction, I was very interested at the end on how they interact within their society and the rest of the Aeldari in general.
If you are interested in learning more about the traveling murder circus in Warhammer 40K, this is a great introduction.
If you are interested in learning more about the traveling murder circus in Warhammer 40K, this is a great introduction.
February 18, 2019
even though it's based on the masque of the red death, it's still a good literary work. and paints a very good picture of harlequin hierarchy and solitaires and what the latter do to keep She-Who-Thirsts at bay
February 10, 2020
It was a decent enough tale, but I feel the characters could have been fleshed out some more.
August 5, 2020
Political intruque.
Dimension inhabited by fish people.
Literary references.
Harlequin Performance.
Why would you need more?
Dimension inhabited by fish people.
Literary references.
Harlequin Performance.
Why would you need more?
November 1, 2022
A standout title in most of it is a description of a kind of improvised play. The characters are of the Harlequin and Dark Eldar factions in 40k -- basically different kinds of space elves.
December 5, 2024
I was expecting to find this very basic in its storytelling and plot but it was actually pretty cool! If you're at all familiar with the Warhammer 40K universe, give this a try, you might like it!
March 1, 2025
Awesome short story about Harlequin performances
February 15, 2017
Well, it's not the Eisenhorn trilogy, but this is a pretty good introduction to the Eldar.
November 2, 2015
The Harlequins, one of the least written areas of the 40k universe in literature, gaming or art. These secretive, almost mythical Eldar are a people apart. Unknown, mysterious and dangerous the Harlequins are, traveling the void on their chaos driven missions. They can appear to thwart the Dark Eldar and yet are trusted by no race. The randomness of the Harlequins is their draw and the unknown agenda they have, is it even unknown to them? Stalking the webways, marauding for no reasons, and yet taking the time to perform as a troupe for powers beyond their ken, just to bring a sad and sick vengeance to the enablers of power who prey on the weak. Who knows the power and true aim of these beings? No one, but the tale of the telling makes for excellent reading.
This book is a quick read but hols a small glimpse into this secretive group of Eldar. Are they good or evil? Neither. They just are and they are for the glory of their own whim.
What an enjoyable read! I need more, Mr. Chambers!
This book is a quick read but hols a small glimpse into this secretive group of Eldar. Are they good or evil? Neither. They just are and they are for the glory of their own whim.
What an enjoyable read! I need more, Mr. Chambers!
August 2, 2014
Intelligent space opera tale about the dark eldar, set in the grim world of Warhammer 40 000. A troupe of Harlequinns is investigating the death of a whole wordlship. Two dark eldar are though to have likely committed the slaughter. But who? To discover that the Harlequinns will create a glorious performance, which will bring the worst from their hosts...
This is quite original story with vivid, if unpleasant characters, which explains a lot about Harlequinns, gory drama, which could have only come from the Black Library ;)
This is quite original story with vivid, if unpleasant characters, which explains a lot about Harlequinns, gory drama, which could have only come from the Black Library ;)
May 21, 2015
Wow!! What a great story! The Eldar race have always been a favorite of mine in the Warhammer 40,000 universe (my first Eldar army was a Harlequin army when that was a legal list to play back in the days) and its always good to read one of the few published stories about this xenos race. The Masque of Vyle was a pleasant surprise as I have been waiting for just such a Harlequin story- one about them performing one of their Masques. The author did a great job of weaving the performance into the storyline in a manner that created anticipation to hear each act and how it would all end.
June 26, 2014
While short, this is a great read and provides wonderful insight into Eldar Hatlequins, and has a great tease at the end. If you like the 40K universe and Eldar then grab this if you can find it.
July 9, 2015
Хорошо, но мало. Коротенькая новелла, даже не повесть, об одной отдельно взятой миссии Маскарада эльдарских Арлекинов. Очень познавательно для любителей мира Вархаммер 40к.
September 4, 2021
Fascinating
I finished it in one day. Extremely hard to put down. I loved learning about the Harlequins. Finally vengeance for the lost. A definite must read.
I finished it in one day. Extremely hard to put down. I loved learning about the Harlequins. Finally vengeance for the lost. A definite must read.
April 23, 2017
«Классическая» трагедия
«Маскарад Вайла» для меня – самое-самое произведение Чемберса про тёмных эльдар. Да, я люблю его трилогию и жду выхода омнибуса, но данная повесть всё равно заметно выделяется даже на фоне других его произведений. Однако не могу вам сказать, с чего именно стоит начать ознакомление с тёмными эльдарами – с «Маскарада» или с трилогии. В данной книге раскрывается история расы, но раскрывается во многом иносказательно, в виде детективной истории, и оттого запутаться будет очень легко. Однако это не отрицает того факта, что ознакомиться с этим произведением стоит однозначно.
полный текст рецензии
«Маскарад Вайла» для меня – самое-самое произведение Чемберса про тёмных эльдар. Да, я люблю его трилогию и жду выхода омнибуса, но данная повесть всё равно заметно выделяется даже на фоне других его произведений. Однако не могу вам сказать, с чего именно стоит начать ознакомление с тёмными эльдарами – с «Маскарада» или с трилогии. В данной книге раскрывается история расы, но раскрывается во многом иносказательно, в виде детективной истории, и оттого запутаться будет очень легко. Однако это не отрицает того факта, что ознакомиться с этим произведением стоит однозначно.
полный текст рецензии
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews