Grail Damsel
Grail Damsels, formerly known as Damsels of the Lady are the powerful priestesses of The Lady trained by the Fay Enchantress herself.[4a]
Contents
Overview
Taken from their families at a young age, Damsels are Bretonnian women possessing magical abilities who serve in the Cult of the Lady of the Lake. [3a] These children are mourned as if they were dead although they will normally return as Handmaidens of the Lady, powerful wizards who have learned from older maidens in their time away. [5]
As the members of the Cult, the Damsels bypass many Bretonnian limitations regarding women, such as the ban on riding horses and wield great authority. While the normally act as advisers to the powerful nobles, they are able to give orders to Dukes, should the need arise. [2a]
Grail Damsels are completely outside the laws of Bretonnia and equally outside its social customs. No one would dare to criticise one, even behind her back. They are all beautiful, appearing young for many years before suddenly withdrawing to the Forest of Loren, where most assume that they die. [3a]
Many go about with their hair uncovered, and not a few are notorious for their promiscuity, though no tales of a Grail Damsel giving birth are known. It also seems to be socially acceptable for the Damsels to have Grail Knights as their companions and lovers. Few claim to understand their behavior, but the arcane support they give to Bretonnia’s armies is much appreciated.[2b][3a]
Famous Grail Damsels
- Three Sisters of Ancelioux - A trio of Damsels who fought at La Maisontaal during the End Times.
- Iselda
Magic
They master either the Lore of Life or the Lore of Beasts, using this fair magic to aid the noble knights of Bretonnia, whilst simultaneously preventing the foul wizards of the enemy from unleashing their sorcery on Lady's people. An extremely powerful Damsel is known as a Prophetess [1] who also uses the Lore of Heavens. [3a]
- W:TOW: Battle Magic, Elementalism, Illusion, Lore of the Lady. [5]
Shield of the Lady
Knights consider protecting a handmaiden as a great privilege and their sacred duty to the goddess. [5]
Weapons and Equipment
- 6th Edition: Hand Weapon. May ride Bretonnian Warhorse which may have Barding. May have Magic Items but not Armour or Weapons. [4a]
- W:TOW: Hand Weapon. May be mounted on Bretonnian Warhorse, Pegasus, Royal Pegasus or Unicorn. May have Magic Items. [5]
Gallery
Three Sisters of Ancelioux
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Miniatures
Damsels of the Lady
A Damsel.[1]
Handmaiden of the Lady
Sources
- 1: GW Website Damsel
- 2: Knight of the Realm (Novel)
- 3: Knights of the Grail
- 3a: Chapter V: Religion and Custom, pg. 38
- 4: Warhammer Armies: Bretonnia (6th Edition)
- 4a: Marshalling the Host, pg. 67
- 5: Forces of Fantasy (TOW), Handmaidens of the Lady, pg. 87-89
