dpavalhtar

Dpavalhtar is a fictional character from the *Warhammer 40,000* tabletop game universe, specifically within the lore of the *Dark Eldar* (also known as Harlequins). Created by Games Workshop, the character first appeared in the *Dark Eldar* sourcebook *The Dark Eldar Codex* (2000) and has since become a notable figure in the lore of the Eldar race.

As a member of the Dark Eldar, Dpavalhtar is a warrior of the *Harlequins*, a caste of Dark Eldar who serve as elite warriors and assassins. Unlike other Dark Eldar, Harlequins are known for their brutal efficiency and sadistic nature, often engaging in ritualistic combat and torture. Dpavalhar’s role often revolves around leading raids, hunting down enemies, and enforcing the will of the *Dark Eldar* warlord or *Khorne* (the Dark Eldar god of war and blood).

The character’s name is derived from the Eldar language, where "Dpava" may relate to concepts of war or violence, while "lhtar" suggests a connection to leadership or command. Dpavalhtar is typically depicted as a towering, gaunt figure clad in dark, tattered armor, often wielding a pair of *Chainswords* or other brutal weapons. His appearance reflects the Dark Eldar’s emaciated, skeletal physique, a result of their prolonged existence in the *Dark City* (Commorragh) and their reliance on the *Sanguinary Guardians* (blood spirits) for sustenance.

In lore, Dpavalhtar is sometimes portrayed as a cunning strategist, exploiting the fears and weaknesses of his enemies. He is also associated with the *Harlequin* cult, which worships the *Dark Eldar* god *Khorne* and believes in the glorification of war and suffering. While not a major protagonist, Dpavalhtar serves as a representative of the Dark Eldar’s ruthless nature, embodying their philosophy of survival through violence and domination.

The character has appeared in various *Warhammer 40,000* novels, comics, and supplementary materials, reinforcing his role as a symbol of the Harlequins’ relentless aggression. His lore contributes to the broader themes of the *Dark Eldar* as a race defined by their obsession with war, pain, and the eternal cycle of slaughter.