Due to release on the 21st of May, ‘The Warden and The Paunch‘ is the next major Lord Pack DLC for Total War: Warhammer 2, bringing a new playable Lord and new units to both the High Elf and Greenskin factions. In the case of the High Elves, that new character is Eltharion the Grim; the dour-faced Warden of Tor Yvresse and one of Ulthuan’s most famous defenders.
Eltharion the Grim: Start Position, Magic Items & Mounts
“Eltharion the Grim is truly one of the greatest of all Ulthuan’s generals,” writes Creative Assembly; “His past exploits of driving attackers from the shores of Ulthuan, including the first legendary Waaagh! of Grom himself, saw him elected as the Warden of Tor Yvresse […] Though his methods may be questionable to his peers, the dour ruler is dearly loved by his people and feared by his enemies, taking to the skies upon his Griffon Stormwing in times of war to cut through foes like a wind of blades.”
As fans of Warhammer lore might well expect, Eltharion the Grim will lead the High Elf faction of Yvresse, situated on the eastern coast of Ulthuan. More specifically, he will start in the region of Northern Yvresse, at least in the Eye of the Vortex campaign. Things are a little different in Mortal Empires, however, where Eltharion starts the game abroad, leading a crusade against the Greenskins. Instead of starting in Yvresse, he instead starts in the Southern Badlands, just north of the deserts of Khemri. This alternate start could prove popular with players looking to try a High Elf campaign in a totally new location.
The Warden has access to no less than three unique items; the Fangsword of Eltharion, the Helm of Yvresse, and the Talisman of Hoeth. He is primarily a melee-centric Legendary Lord. However, it should be noted that he is also a Wizard with full access to the Lore of High Magic. As for mounts, Eltharion will initially start on foot, then get access to a Barded Ithilmar Steed. Finally, he will of course unlock his unique griffon mount, Stormwing, making him the only High Elf character who can ride a griffon.
Eltharion the Grim: Faction & Lord Effects
Eltharion’s Faction and Lord Effects both focus heavily on his melee infantry. Not only does his faction gain +3 recruit rank for Spear Infantry and Ranger units, but any of those same units in Eltharion’s army also gain +8 Leadership & Melee Defence; a very hefty buff, particularly in the early stages of a campaign. Eltharion’s other Lord Effects are immunity to Barren Wasteland attrition (helping him in his Mortal Empires start location) and the ability to cause Fear when fighting Greenskins. This hatred of Greenskins is reinforced by a Faction Effect which imposes a massive -80 diplomatic relations penalty with all Greenskins factions.
Eltharion’s final two Faction Effects are his unique campaign mechanics; the Dungeon of Athel Tamarha and the Mists of Yvresse. The former is a system which allows him to interrogate captured enemy characters for a variety of bonuses and effects. Meanwhile, the latter provides his homeland with a veil of mist which grants bonuses to his armies in battle. Note that Eltharion will also have access to campaign-only elite “Mistwalker” units. He recruits these units through a unique building chain which can be built in Athel Tamarha.