Sisters of Battle/Silence/Eldar attire

[Trysanna]

Do we have any information about what the Sisters of Battle/Sisters of Silence/Eldar women wear or look like outside of their armour? I'm looking for visuals references but I'm not sure if it's ever been depicted before and I can't scour my collection of rulebooks/codices at the moment. I'll also take descriptions from novels if those exist. 

[Firedrake Cordova]

That's an interesting question.  

 

I think that Sisters of Battle are described as wearing robes in one or more of the Ciaphas Cain books, but it's also entirely possible that my memory is making things up.  

 

++EDIT: Apparently they appear in Duty Calls and Cain's Last Stand, so it might be in one of those two

Edited April 17 by Firedrake Cordova

[MoriyaSchism]

I can't recall seeing any art of civilian attire for Sisters of Battle or the clothing worn by the non-combatant orders, but the old Sister Dialogus model was unarmoured and had simple robes with a parchment draped over them. I believe some form of civilian Sisters of Battle dress can be extrapolated from the robed models from the Triumph of St.Katherine if you eliminate any of the armoured elements like powerplants and armoured sabatons.

[Arikel]

I would imagine sisters of battle would wear catholic religious type wear, perhaps redesigned for ease of movement. Similar to what the Novitiates are wearing underneath their armour plates as seen here https://www.warhammer.com/en-CA/shop/kill-team-novitiates-2022

 

It’s possible that if you have access to the Dark Heresy rpg books they might have some info on it as well, as Sisters were one of the character types you could play.

[Karhedron]

For Eldar out of armour, the Jess Goodwin sketches are the best visual references I have seen. 

[Ayatollah_of_Rock_n_Rolla]

According to Dark Heresy for SoB:

 

 

Sister Dialogus is said to wear them, but how her clothes are supposed to be fit for martial training I don't know.  And of course there are possible canon conflicts with BL.

 

Edited April 17 by Ayatollah_of_Rock_n_Rolla

[Captain Idaho]

There's a 2nd edition short story, 2 pages long, of a Farseer who wakes up from a nightmare and it describes the clothing I'm sure, but I can't for the life of me remember the source - Codex Imperialis or Codex Eldar... maybe the wargear or rulebook but I don't think so.

 

Dang that'll drive me nuts.

[WAR]

In Daemonifuge Series, Ephrael Stern is depicted wearing a tunic in a few scenes. 

 

 

Other Sisters (possibly Novitiates are depicted in robes)

 

In Hammer and Anvil, Sister Verity and others of her Hospitaller Order are depicted in traveling robes. 

 

 

[LameBeard]

There is a Horus Heresy short story about a novice Sister of Silence (she hasn’t taken her final vow yet, so she speaks). I think there’s some description and I think it’s robes again! Might be called ‘the Voice’ or is that a different one?

[Trysanna]

Thanks for the help everyone, there's a lot more on the subject than I thought. I was planning on making some sort of casual cosplay out of one of these ideas, instead of only cosplay a bunch of anime women, but I'm feeling pretty deflated about the whole thing now. Please feel free to share more, it's very interesting to read about if nothing else. 

Cheers

[WAR]

=][= Play nice, First warning =][=

[Arikel]

1 hour ago, Trysanna said:

Thanks for the help everyone, there's a lot more on the subject than I thought. I was planning on making some sort of casual cosplay out of one of these ideas, instead of only cosplay a bunch of anime women, but I'm feeling pretty deflated about the whole thing now. Please feel free to share more, it's very interesting to read about if nothing else. 

Cheers

If you are going to do cosplay, I think starting with a novitiate costume might be the place to go. Later on if you’re feeling more intricate or can drop a few bucks to get the power suit you could  promote yourself to full battle sister;)

[Magos Takatus]

Sadly I don't think I can provide help much with Eldar civilian wear, from what little I remember of the Path of the Eldar series of books the Eldar from the Craftworlds tend to vary what they wear considerably, I think it did describe clothes some of the characters wore in those novels but sadly I cannot recall the actual descriptions. I get the impression that the Eldar of the Craftworlds would have a very diverse but elegant wardrobe.

 

Unfortunately I'm of little help, I am a human male that wears cargo trousers and geeky t-shirts so I am probably diametrically opposed to Aeldari female fashion. 

[Lord_Ikka]

20 minutes ago, Magos Takatus said:

Sadly I don't think I can provide help much with Eldar civilian wear, from what little I remember of the Path of the Eldar series of books the Eldar from the Craftworlds tend to vary what they wear considerably, I think it did describe clothes some of the characters wore in those novels but sadly I cannot recall the actual descriptions. I get the impression that the Eldar of the Craftworlds would have a very diverse but elegant wardrobe.

 

Unfortunately I'm of little help, I am a human male that wears cargo trousers and geeky t-shirts so I am probably diametrically opposed to Aeldari female fashion. 

Thinking back on those books I feel the same- robes were featured heavily I believe. Light, flowing clothes for eldar civilians would be appropriate; something similar to fantasy elf cosplay but with spiritstones and runes rather than the usual leather/leafy accoutrements.  

[Sky Potato]

I’m currently re-reading the Path of the Eldar books. I’ll keep an eye out for specific clothing descriptions from here on out.

[Trysanna]

On 4/18/2024 at 3:36 AM, Magos Takatus said:

Sadly I don't think I can provide help much with Eldar civilian wear, from what little I remember of the Path of the Eldar series of books the Eldar from the Craftworlds tend to vary what they wear considerably, I think it did describe clothes some of the characters wore in those novels but sadly I cannot recall the actual descriptions. I get the impression that the Eldar of the Craftworlds would have a very diverse but elegant wardrobe.

 

Unfortunately I'm of little help, I am a human male that wears cargo trousers and geeky t-shirts so I am probably diametrically opposed to Aeldari female fashion. 

Yeah, I figured it would be pretty varied, much like our own broad range of attire, but I couldn't remember reading any actual descriptions or seeing any images. I suppose that much like the rest of 40k, I can kinda do whatever I want and as long as it feels vaguely Eldar-esque, I should be fine. And hey, nothing wrong with prioritizing comfort! I don't wear corsets everyday even tho they look killer.

 

On 4/17/2024 at 3:55 PM, Arikel said:

If you are going to do cosplay, I think starting with a novitiate costume might be the place to go. Later on if you’re feeling more intricate or can drop a few bucks to get the power suit you could  promote yourself to full battle sister;)

That was a thought I had. I don't have the space or skill to craft a full suit of armour, so I was hoping to start a bit smaller and maybe work my way up. Novitiates are a good idea, they only have some armour on the shoulders and legs (knees? I can't tell if its a knee high boot or a full armoured greave) which is much more manageable. Thanks for reminding me they exist, I totally forgot about them

 

On 4/18/2024 at 4:00 AM, Lord_Ikka said:

Thinking back on those books I feel the same- robes were featured heavily I believe. Light, flowing clothes for eldar civilians would be appropriate; something similar to fantasy elf cosplay but with spiritstones and runes rather than the usual leather/leafy accoutrements.  

I assumed very elven flowing robes would be an easy assumption, and fairly easy to manage in terms of cosplay. A part of me was also hoping for something like the Eldar Titan Crew.

I don't know why, but the look just speaks to me. It might be the crop top jacket with the Craftworld(?) symbol on that back.

 

On 4/17/2024 at 7:43 AM, WAR said:

In Daemonifuge Series, Ephrael Stern is depicted wearing a tunic in a few scenes. 

 

 

Other Sisters (possibly Novitiates are depicted in robes)

 

In Hammer and Anvil, Sister Verity and others of her Hospitaller Order are depicted in traveling robes.

I suppose if I'm feeling brave I can go with the classic tunic/simple attire of the Repentia, tho at that point I'm just walking around in my sleepwear. Tho if I'm being honest it's hardly any more revealing than some of the cosplays I already have so I suppose it wouldn't be a problem, probably more comfortable that my Lisa outfit too. (Yes I'm one of those people) Would be a good excuse to build up muscle again, especially if I can make/get my hands on an eviscerator.

Thanks again for the replies everyone.

Edited April 19 by Trysanna

[Nephaston]

Regarding sisters casual wear the only thing I found so far was the piece from Lutherniel, where they guessed it would be a comfier version of their battle gear.

 

Garden of Ghosts episode from hammer and bolter also has some glimpses here and there but no frontal views at all unless it's fighting gear. First picture is the mom of the protagonist who later changes into guardian gear, so one can assume this to be civilian clothing.

 

The second one is civvies getting escorted, some variation here, but seemingly all the same palette and some obvious copy pasting that'S still does the job.

Edited April 18 by Nephaston
Some more

[Trysanna]

38 minutes ago, Nephaston said:

Regarding sisters casual wear the only thing I found so far was the piece from Lutherniel, where they guessed it would be a comfier version of their battle gear.

 

Garden of Ghosts episode from hammer and bolter also has some glimpses here and there but no frontal views at all unless it's fighting gear. First picture is the mom of the protagonist who later changes into guardian gear, so one can assume this to be civilian clothing.

 

The second one is civvies getting escorted, some variation here, but seemingly all the same palette and some obvious copy pasting that'S still does the job.

Oh those are all great finds! I totally forgot to ask about Warhammer+, I kinda forget it exists half the time. I quite like the red and black robes/gown, that could be a great place for me to start. (Also how long is her hair oh my god imagine how long it would take to brush and braid) Also the SoB design is great, still very recognizable as a Sister but much more comfy, tho I cant imagine having something be more comfortable than skintight armour and a corset would be much of a challenge.

[Noserenda]

Eldar civilian gear is going to vary by path, seers are always going to be wearing robes for example but i imagine most of the civilian paths communicate that through their dress symbolically as well as practically, like, look at the different Aspects and think how that might translate accordingly to a potter or a barista :D 

We do know they can change the colour of hair and garments with a literal wave of a wand so i would expect bold colours, possibly suggesting the craftworld of origin. 

A lot of the bare heads in ye olde days (Not bought modern Eldar in a while!) tended towards long hair in big ponytails or mohawks and the like so go big, probably go 80's or Xmen :D 


Sisters of Silence have popped up "off duty" a few times but are always continuing to wear their armour, though novices do wear robes (zzz) id probably mix that up with a Surcoat or similar to draw on their more knightly influences rather than magical or religious that robes typically suggest. 

Given their martial and fanatical nature and the extremely high budget of the Talons id bet Vratine armour is super comfortable and fitted though, and in the words of Men in black, "Welcome to the last suit youll ever wear :D " Might be worth checking the Watchers of the Throne books out to see if Aleya and her peers ever do wear anything else though, if nothing else its a great book series.

Pressed enter too early! 

Daemonifuge has a lot of pictures of Sisters of Battle out of armour, of all kinds of ranks so there is excellent pictures out there. The whole comic might be online for free even, not that i could say.

[Grotsmasha]

7 hours ago, Noserenda said:

Daemonifuge has a lot of pictures of Sisters of Battle out of armour, of all kinds of ranks so there is excellent pictures out there. The whole comic might be online for free even, not that i could say.

Just remembered I own the Anniversary coloured version, I'll have a look through and grab any appropriate pics

[Trysanna]

On 4/18/2024 at 9:06 PM, Noserenda said:

Eldar civilian gear is going to vary by path, seers are always going to be wearing robes for example but i imagine most of the civilian paths communicate that through their dress symbolically as well as practically, like, look at the different Aspects and think how that might translate accordingly to a potter or a barista :D 

We do know they can change the colour of hair and garments with a literal wave of a wand so i would expect bold colours, possibly suggesting the craftworld of origin. 

A lot of the bare heads in ye olde days (Not bought modern Eldar in a while!) tended towards long hair in big ponytails or mohawks and the like so go big, probably go 80's or Xmen :D 


Sisters of Silence have popped up "off duty" a few times but are always continuing to wear their armour, though novices do wear robes (zzz) id probably mix that up with a Surcoat or similar to draw on their more knightly influences rather than magical or religious that robes typically suggest. 

Given their martial and fanatical nature and the extremely high budget of the Talons id bet Vratine armour is super comfortable and fitted though, and in the words of Men in black, "Welcome to the last suit youll ever wear :D " Might be worth checking the Watchers of the Throne books out to see if Aleya and her peers ever do wear anything else though, if nothing else its a great book series.

Pressed enter too early! 

Daemonifuge has a lot of pictures of Sisters of Battle out of armour, of all kinds of ranks so there is excellent pictures out there. The whole comic might be online for free even, not that i could say.

I'm definitely leaning towards a casual Howling Banshee idea if I go down the Eldar route. They're easily my favourite of the Aspects (shocking, I'm sure) and I think using the Titan Crew kinda look would lead to something pretty cool, if very 80s. I'll probably avoid the more 80's hairstyles tho, I don't think I'm brave enough to commit to those, tho I might just dye my hair red and go from there, that always seemed fun. I'm hoping to sketch out some rough ideas sometime soon, so fingers crossed I make time to sit down and draw without getting distracted by something else.

 

I've always found robes to be a bit boring. I know they're around a ton in the Imperium and probably super common in the Sisters of Battle, but it's not something I've ever looked at and gone "Ah yeah, would kill to wear that." Now if there was some sort of fancy dress or ballgown, now we're talking. I assume Sisters of some rank attend fancy events, right? Maybe that's an idea, And y'know, I've been recommended that series a few times recently, I might have to give it a look. I remember enjoying some of Wraights other work, tho it's been a hot minute.

 

20 hours ago, Grotsmasha said:

Just remembered I own the Anniversary coloured version, I'll have a look through and grab any appropriate pics

That would be greatly appreciated! I always meant to pick it up but I kept getting sidetracked

[Grotsmasha]

Unfortunately, there wasn't a whole lot of helpful images,

 

 

This last one may or may not be armoured, but doesn't appear to have a powerpack on,

 

 

AND, I'd forgotten that Ephrael had a stint in the Drukhari Blood Sport Arenas,

Spoiler

 

[Evil Eye]

I'd definitely say for Eldar, some of the RT minis (from before the look was quite as honed in as it is today) could be a good resource of inspiration. There was a bit of crossover with the then-concurrent WHFB elf lineup too. This Eldar trader mini is the most civilian-y mini I could find, though I'd suggest the scout range as well for inspiration.

[Magos Takatus]

Wow, that bright red codpiece is wild.

[Trysanna]

On 4/20/2024 at 6:07 AM, Grotsmasha said:

AND, I'd forgotten that Ephrael had a stint in the Drukhari Blood Sport Arenas,

  Hide contents

 

This outfit rules harder than it has any right to and I wish I could make it. Dark Eldar just consistently have the best fashion choices, even if just looking at them makes me feel chilly. Have we seen that helmet design in the various Eldar ranges? I kinda dig it. And thanks doing a flip through of the comic, I haven't seen much of it in colour before.

 

On 4/21/2024 at 9:57 AM, Evil Eye said:

I'd definitely say for Eldar, some of the RT minis (from before the look was quite as honed in as it is today) could be a good resource of inspiration. There was a bit of crossover with the then-concurrent WHFB elf lineup too. This Eldar trader mini is the most civilian-y mini I could find, though I'd suggest the scout range as well for inspiration.

That sure is a fashion choice. Jeez that's bold. Not quite to my taste but still. If nothing else its proving that I really can do whatever I want and it'll probably be fine. I mean if people are allowed to dress like that in 40k, I think I'm safe. I do like the single sleeve look tho, nice bit of asymmetry.