This week, Warhammer fans got a deeper dive into the High Elves’ activities during the time of Warhammer: The Old World.
The focus is on their maintenance of coastal citadels, preserving trade and diplomatic ties with the mainland, and how they’ve adapted to the changes of the Old World.
Danny and JTY from the design team gave us a fascinating glimpse into how the High Elves have shaped their strategies, both in the lore and on the tabletop. Here’s what we learned:
A History of High Elves and Dwarfs
The story begins by looking at the ancient past, where the relationship between the High Elves and the Dwarfs was once strong, particularly through the friendship between Caledor Dragontamer and Grimnir. Their bond forged the Vortex, though later events led to a great schism between the two races. The focus then shifts to the present era, where the High Elves have retreated to coastal colonies off the Old World, away from their former allies.
Two Unique Characters
- Korhil, the legendary leader of the White Lions, makes his return as a fierce hero, while Ishaya Vess is introduced as a commander in charge of the Sea Guard at the Silent Isle. Vess stands out for her leadership and tactical abilities, buffing the troops around her and boosting their leadership and efficiency. Though she’s not a warrior at heart, she can still hold her own in battle – though her low Toughness makes her vulnerable when she’s struck.
- Ishaya Vess is key to the Army of Infamy, a more limited list focused on coastal garrison forces, where the strength lies in ranged combat and strategic maneuvers rather than brute strength. The army excels at shooting to break enemy lines, then finishing off remnants in close combat.
A Garrison of Sea Guard
The Sea Guard are central to this army’s composition, with their specialized tactics. The inclusion of units like the Ship’s Company (militia units that help bring a rougher, grittier aesthetic) expands player options, offering a more “hands-on” style of Elves forced to adapt to land combat.
The rules encourage players to focus on a disciplined, shooting-heavy army, emphasizing the theme of a naval force far from Ulthuan, which requires creative thinking and adaptation. There are plenty of buffs for the Sea Guard, and players can experiment with various combos for added effectiveness.
The Chracian Warhost – Elven Special Forces
In contrast, the Chracian Warhost presents a more brutal side of Elven warfare. These are the special forces of the High Elves, trained in guerrilla tactics and living off the land. The Warhost is filled with savage warriors who don’t rely on shields or defensive strategies but instead focus on ferocity and aggression. You can even create a full army of White Lions, using militia units from Chrace.
Additional units like Lion Guards and War Lions provide a harder-hitting edge, with the option to convert regular miniatures into more feral versions, making this force ideal for players looking for a more offensive and aggressive Elven army.
Magical Items and Army Themes
The High Elves’ new book features plenty of magical items, including a standout Woodsman’s Axe, which is incredibly effective against Monsters. The book also has three pages dedicated to these items, which are available for both the Army of Infamy and the Grand Armies, allowing players to tailor their forces to their preferred playstyle.
Looking Forward to the Miniatures
In tomorrow’s update, we can expect a closer look at the miniature range for these forces. The new army books aim to empower players to create unique armies rooted in the lore, and it’s clear that the High Elves have plenty of options to bring their coastal garrison theme and the fierce Chracian warriors to life on the battlefield.
The design team also dropped a fun note that while there are no current plans for racecourse rules related to Lion Chariots, the creativity around these miniatures is certainly encouraged.
Stay tuned for more on these armies, and if you’re an Old World enthusiast, there’s plenty of excitement ahead!
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