Games - Dark Elves

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	Games - Dark Elves

In the world of Warhammer Fantasy, the Dark Elves are a race of generally evil elves. Unlike many other dark elves in modern fantasy fiction, they do not dwell underground, nor are they dark-skinned. They call themselves the Druchii. The Druchii live in Naggaroth, the geographic equivalent of North America in the Warhammer World, and are cruel raiders with much hatred for all other races, especially their lighter kindred, the High Elves
.

The Dark Elves were once High Elves, and lived in Ulthuan. Malekith was the son of the king and thus was, according to birthright, the rightful successor to the throne. However, Malekith was far more testy and warlike than any of the High Elven court was willing to put up with, and instead a different king was chosen. The ensuing dissent led to a civil war that raged across Ulthuan and eventually brought about the exile of Malekith, his mother Morathi, and his followers from Ulthuan. This group relocated to Naggaroth, the Land of Chill, and founded the Six Cities (Naggarond, Hag Graef, Ghrond, Karond Kar, Clar Karond, Har Ganeth).

The Druchii society is a hierarchical one, with their Witch King, Malekith, at the top. At his right hand is his mother and consort, Queen Morathi. It has been argued, however, that the Dark Elves are in truth a fascist society, with one man at the top and several powerful underlings in competition with each other, all vying for power but simultaneously preventing others from getting it. Malekith allows this to continue because it keeps all sects strong, but also in line.

Dark Elves have one major source of income: plunder. Dark Elves raid all other lands, particularly Ulthuan, home of their enemies, the High Elves. They take food, money, and slaves. Slaves are a large part of Druchii society, and do most of the menial chores that an enterprising Druchii will not deign to do himself. Slaves also make up the ritual sacrifices so necessary to the workings of Druchii society and worship.

The Druchii mostly worship the Elven god Kaela Mensha Khaine
, the Bloody-Handed God and Lord of Murder. The Druchii, being a cruel and savage race, are devoted followers of Khaine and while their kindred, the High Elves of Ulthuan, may invoke this god from time to time as needed, the Dark Elves are wholly devoted to him. The most savage sect of Khaine worshippers are known as the Brides of Khaine, more commonly called Witch Elves. A Witch Elf (Maibd) is considered a wife of Khaine. The Witch Elves love battle and are extremely zealous in proving their worth to Khaine.

A sizable portion of the population has also secretly carried out worship of the Chaos God of Pleasure, Slaanesh. The Cult of Pleasure played a major role in the sundering of the Elves of Ulthuan, but was quiet for a time; it did play a sizeable role in the Storm of Chaos, when it invaded Lustria, but has since receded back into obscurity. The leader of the Cult is none other than Morathi, mother of the King. For this reason civil war amongst the Dark Elves has not occurred, but with the recent growth in power of the Cult, such a battle may come about. The head of the Temple of Khaine, Hellebron, would certainly like nothing more.

Gameplay

Dark Elf armies usually consist of a regiment of repeater crossbows behind the main offensive force of spearmen. Corsairs and/or Witch Elves may also be used along with a quicker moving set of soldiers on horseback (Darkriders) or Cold Ones. Special units such as a Hydra, Manticore or Special Character may also be used.

Druchii are not particularly strong when it comes to offense or defense, but have a great advantage when it comes to attack speed and frequency of attacks. Many units may attack two or more times in a single combat round based on the number and type of weapons they have and/or their abilities. Though spearmen can only attack once, units in the second row may attack along with the units in the first row. Druchii on Darkriders or on Cold Ones are able to quickly advance on, and retreat from enemy units.

All dark Elves have "Hate High Elves" which allows for a first round bonus when playing against High Elves.

[ Visit the complete Wikipedia entry for Dark Elves (Warhammer) ]

Games - Dark Elves

Gameplay

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