Total War: Warhammer 2 The Shadow and The Blade – All the New Dark Elves
With the release of The Shadow and The Blade DLC on the 12th of December, Total War: Warhammer 2 will be getting its next batch of new content, with new units and characters coming to both the Skaven and the Dark Elves. In the case of the latter, Creative Assembly is delivering a true fan-favourite, the tyrant of Hag Graef himself; Malus Darkblade. Plus, the Daemon-possessed warlord is bringing a host of new Dark Elf units, characters, and Regiments of Renown along with him. If you’d rather check out the details for Deathmaster Snikch and Clan Eshin, however, be sure to click here.
The Shadow and The Blade DLC: New Dark Elf Lords and Heroes
The biggest inclusion to the Dark Elves roster which is coming in The Shadow and The Blade DLC is, of course, that of Malus Darkblade. This new Legendary Lord will lead the faction of Hag Graef, although he has an unusual starting position. While he does begin play with control of his city, he also starts with a Black Ark expedition on the far side of the world. According to Creative Assembly; “In the opening stages of this campaign, the player is faced with a dilemma to either retain control of Hag Graef or give up the city in return for a hefty sum.”
Of course, Malus also has more personal concerns. Namely, Tz’arkan, the Daemon which possesses him, and which he must keep suppressed through drinking a magical elixir. As the trailer shows, Malus can relinquish control of his body to the Daemon during battle in order to greatly increase his power. However, doing so is likely to come at a cost. In addition, the Daemon will actually provide Malus with a new mission system on the campaign map. By following the whisperings of Tz’arkan, Malus can undertake missions and gain special rewards.
Now, Malus Darkblade isn’t the only new Dark Elf leader coming in The Shadow and The Blade. The Dark Elves will also be getting the High Beastmaster as a new Lord, a new Anti-Large specialist who is likely to excel at both leading and combating monsters. Plus, the Dark Elves will also be getting the Master as a new Hero. This defensive frontline fighter carries a spear and shield, while also serving the role of a bodyguard; their Guardian ability boosts the defences of nearby friendly characters.
The Shadow and The Blade DLC: New Dark Elf Units
When it comes to new units, the Dark Elves will be getting three new additions in the upcoming DLC, all of which are rather intimidating. The first of these is the Scourgerunner Chariot. Fast and manoeuvrable, this new ranged chariot option is crewed by Beastmasters whose harpoons are designed to bring down enemy monsters. As such, the Scourgerunner is likely to be deployed as a roving monster-hunting platform.
Both of the other two units coming to the Dark Elf roster are in fact Medusas rather than Dark Elves. The first is the Bloodwrack Medusa itself, a towering serpentine monster with snakes for hair and a huge, barbed spear. However, while she may look like a fearsome melee combatant, the Medusa’s role is actually that of a melee/ranged hybrid monster. Their ranged attacks are extremely powerful, helping to soften up their targets before they get in close, where they also cause Terror.
Alongside the Bloodwrack Medusa, Dark Elf players will also be able to recruit the Bloodwrack Shrine. This large mobile war platform has two auras; the Aura of Ardour, which provides a buff to nearby allies, and the Aura of Agony, which demoralises nearby enemies. Additionally, the Medusa who rides upon the shrine has even greater range than the standard Bloodwrack Medusa for her gaze.
The Shadow and The Blade DLC: New Dark Elf Regiments of Renown
As with every new Lord Pack DLC, The Shadow and The Blade is also bringing several new Regiments of Renown to the game. Just like the ones coming to the Skaven, two of the new Dark Elf Regiments are for the new units, while a third is for an existing entry on the army list. The first of these are the Ravagers of Rakarth, a unique variant of the Scourgerunner Chariot. Named for Urien Rakarth, the great Beastmaster himself, the Ravagers carry special nets which can slow down enemy targets.
The next new Regiment of Renown is The Siren of Red Ruin, a terrifying variant of the Bloodwrack Medusa. Not only is this monster more powerful than a standard Medusa, but she comes armed with a special ability which causes damage to any enemies foolish enough to get close to her. Finally, the Dark Elves are actually getting a new Regiment of Renown for the Harpies, named the Crows of Khaine. This unique variant unit gains regeneration when it is in combat and also causes Terror, making them a much more formidable threat than their ordinary kin.