This is the sixth in a series of Posts I plan on doing on a complete visual guide to factions and their missing units.
Links to the rest of this series
Premise
I've formatted this similar to how you may have seen them before, however I am doing this all from scratch to remaster the visual guides everyone has been drawing from; bringing them up to full speed with the latest DLC, fixing any issues that may have existed in them (such as missing models or artwork) and expanding them to include characters and units that were overlooked in the posts you may have seen before.
That being said, some characters or units never had models and have no noteworthy art that I could find. In the event of a missing model or artwork I have attempted to compensate with a similar model, another art piece, a screenshot I took in game from a mod or, in the worst-case scenario: a bootleg model *shudders*
Introduction
The High Elves have an identity crisis in Warhammer 2. CA translated the bulk of their unit roster into the game, but the faction has no unique options at all until the second half of the mid game. All the High Elf units are very 'middle of the road' and rather than having each one fill a niche: most of their higher tier units are simple upgrades of their cheaper counterparts. As a result, you will either have no need to get the higher units, because the early game ones are fine, or you will reach a point where you have to trade in all your early game units because they have been made completely obsolete.
Even in regard to their mount options: only the generic lords have a dragon mount; outside of Alarielle, no one else gets anything more than a chariot (Tyrion, Teclis and the Handmaiden only get Horses and the Loremasters and Alith Anar have no mounts at all)
Sad to say, but it seems the majority of the High Elves utility and the elements that make them unique lie in this list and not in the game.
Missing Characters









(optional) Info on these characters and how they could work in WH2
Althran Stormrider
Althran comes form a proud and noble family, one that can trace its ancestry back to the first of the Phoenix Kings. Since that time, Althran’s family have led High Elf armies across the Warhammer World, earning them glory and renown. Althran himself is determined to rise to meet the great mantle of his families name and he will stop at nothing to protect the people of Ulthuan from the ravages of lesser, more primitive races.
Like all High Elves, Althran excels in the art of combat. His Magical Armour of Fortune is a Family heirloom, so beautifully crafted that he is able to move completely unimpaired and He takes to battle astride his noble Griffin “Sharpclaw”.
Asarnil Dragonlord
Asarnil the Dragonlord was previously the son of an Elven hero and a Prince of Caledor. He lost his title and all his inheritance when he disobeyed the Phoenix Kings orders. Following his exile, He has become famous the world over as a powerful and mighty mercenary, who rides atop his terrifying dragon “Deathfang”.
Althran distinguished himself in the “Great War Against Chaos” which took place around 200 years before the beginning of Warhammer 1. He led his fellow Dragon Princes in the “Battle of Finuval Plain” and after the dust had settled, Althran was to link up with the rest of the High Elf forces and March to Lothern to lift the siege and save the Phoenix King. He received word Before he set out that The Dark Elves were regrouping and planning an attack on his home of Caledor; which lay mostly undefended, with the bulk of the army marching to Lothern. Althran could not stand idle and lead his fellow Dragon riders back home, saving the day and driving the Druchii back into the sea. In his triumph, he headed back to the rendezvous with the Phoenix King, confident that great rewards and honour awaited he and his men; but instead he was met with the Phoenix Kings wrath. Althran rejected the Kings judgement, enraged that he would be accused of betrayal for saving his kingdom and so the Phoenix king banished him from all of Ulthuan until he accepted the kings punishment.
He flew from the Island he called home and headed for towards the old ruins of an Elven city in the south of the old world. Upon his approach he realised that the humans now inhabited the lands and he stopped at the city state of Remas in the lands of Tilea. The Prince of Remas quickly requested to higher Althran to aid him in a war against another city state of Miragliano (also Tilea in game). Althran agreed and proceeded to destroy Miragliano’s entire navy single handedly atop his mighty dragon “Deathfang” and since that day: His presence on the battlefield has always spelled victory for whoever has the coin to hire him. He still has a dream of returning to his home one day, triumphant and laden with the riches he has won, but for now, his lance and sword remain up for hire.
Belannaer the Wise
Belannaer is one of the Greatest Archmages of Saphery, second only to his old student Teclis. At the heart of the kingdom stands the White Tower, wherein lies the shrine of Hoeth (the Elven God of Wisdom). This tower contains the greatest repository of historical and magical lore in the Warhammer world and it is here that Belannaer spends most of his days now, hoping to one day supersede the knowledge and power of Teclis and regain the title of High Loremaster.
At the time when the Norse began raiding Ulthuan in earnest, Belannaer was one of the wizards whose magic shrouded the coast of Ulthuan in a maze of spells, making it almost impossible for the raiders to find their way to the island. Belannaer was also a travelling companion to the current Phoenix king Finubar and shared the discovery of their lost kin the Wood Elves. These days, Belannaer reflects on his lifetime of study; He is painfully aware that his duties have not yet come to an end. He senses that a greater challenge lies ahead, and that the Asur will need him again…but for what? he cannot forsee.
Belannaer has many magical items and abilities.
- His cloak dampens the strength of enemy blows
- his sword is a sacred heirloom from the Phoenix King who built the White Tower of Hoeth (it’s a flaming sword that usually floats atop the tower itself, blazing all through the night)
- He carries with him “the book of the Phoenix” which contains the Ancient Legend of Asuryan and gives him 3 Spells that 1. allows him to be reborn in fire like the Flamespyre Phoenix if he dies. 2. Doubles his strength and 3. Lets him cast a spell for free.
- Finally, Belannaer has “the Glamour of Hoeth” spell which shrouds he and the units around him so deeply in a mist of magic that the enemy cannot properly see their targets and thus their attacks do not find their mark.
Caradryan
Caradryan is the Captain of the Phoenix Guard and wielder of the Phoenix Blade. In his youth he was a noble who was infinitely handsome, rich, powerful, but most of all: arrogant. He was the epitome of all that’s wrong with the Asur aristocracy. His life changed forever when he went on a pilgrimage all High Elf nobles must undertake to the Shrine of Asuryan. After he stepped out of "the Chamber of Days" it seemed he had a premonition, a visit from the gods. His forehead burned with a glowing Rune of Asuryan, marking him as the servant of the creator god. After that day, he rejected all his worldly possessions and took the vow of the Phoenix Guard and a vow of silence that he has never broken.
Eltharion the Blind/Grim
Eltharion is the Prince of Yvresse, land of mists, and one of the greatest Elven Lords alive. He has many times achieved the impossible and he was the first High Elf General to dare launch an assault on Naggarond itself and live to speak of it.
Up until Eltharion, the High Elves had adopted a steadfast defensive policy regarding external threats such as the Druchii (even though all of these threats would never stop coming back). Eltharion saw the flaw in this strategy and roused his kingdom into a daring raid across the coastline of Naggaroth all the way up to the seat of the Witch King himself. He took most coastal cities by surprise, chasing down all the stragglers himself atop his mighty Griffin “Stormwing” so that none may send word to warn the others. When his forces finally reached the city of Naggarond, the bravest of his mean clad themselves in the armour of the Druchii they had slain in raids prior and opened the gates for the High Elf forces, who poured into the city and set upon it like the taking of Jerusalem in the First Crusade (Killing everyone and trashing everything). His forces successfully escaped with barely any casualties, However, disaster had struck for their lord as they were making their retreat. The blade of a Witch Elf had found its mark on Eltharion in the heat of battle and while it was not a mortal wound, the blade was coated with a deadly poison. By the time the army docked again at Ulthuan, Eltharion was not expected to last the night.
As he tossed and turned in his feverish state, the ghost of his father came to him in a vision. While Eltharion’s raiding party had been away, the mighty Goblin horde of Grom the Paunch had beached at Yvresse, destroying his ancestral home, killing his father and in their ignorance: defiling every Watchstone they had come across. His fathers spirit bequeathed to Eltharion the family blade, he awoke the next morning having been cured of his poison and with the aid of Belannaer the Wise he destroyed Grom’s horde and reconstructed the Watchstones.
Here is where his lore diverges. In 6th edition: when the Dark Elves next invade Ulthuan, Eltharion and Stormwing engage with Malekith and Seraphon in an aerial duel. Malekith blinds Eltharion and leaves him for dead. Belannaer heals Eltharion and basically trains him to be a Jedi: he becomes the head of the Swordmasters and despite the loss of his sight he defeats Malekith in a rematch and takes the fight back to Naggaroth. In 7th edition they took out this part and left him lacking.
One of the reasons this is relevant is because I’m fairly certain that Eltharion fighting Grom came in 6th edition and it was “the Blind” that came with it. I hope CA can combine the Two and give us “the Blind” Swordmaster as a foot lord but also give him Stormwing as a mount. That way we have the best possible Eltharion.
Prince Imrik
Imrik is the Prince of Caledor and the last descendant of the Phoenix King: Caledor the Conqueror. Similar to Eltharion, Imrik resented the Passive and Defensive policy that his people had adopted; Caledor in particular had grown silent: their Dragons all asleep and their forges, stone cold. and he knew that a day would come when Ulthuan would be set about by threats beyond counting and he refused to sit idly by while his enemies festered. With this Mindset, he ordered the awakening of as many dragons as possible and set to work the Smiths of Vaul’s Anvil, to once again flow with some of the most well crafted and powerful magical Arms in the world.
He roused the forces of Caledor and Riding atop his Dragon and friend “Minaithir” they travelled far and wide, to Elven colonies and the Realms of men to see the forces of evil Driven before the martial might of the Asur.
Korhil
Captain of the White Lions (the Phoenix Kings Personal Bodyguard). He is a living Legend in his home of Chrace: A Mountain of a man, who is said to have killed Charandis, the most powerful White Lion ever known (corrupted and mutated by Choas) with his bare hands. The Beasts pelt now adorns his armour and his feat was so impressive that, despite his young age, the Phoenix king offered him a place among his personal guard. He’s more than proved his worth, stopping many an assassins blade and he also became firm friends with Tyrion and fought alongside him at the “Battle of the Finuval Plain”.
Princess Eldyra
Eldyra was the youngest daughter of a recently fallen Hero: Eldyr the King of Tiranoc. Upon her father’s death, Eldyra took his sword and immediately sought an audience with the Phoenix court, offering her fealty to them and begging to take Her father’s place, to honour his name and avenge his death. Being a young woman of around 17 (and being a potential rival to the other members of the Phoenix Court) Eldyra was met with a cold reception that swiftly turns into open mockery. She left the palace filled with rage and embarrassment.
Word of her humiliation reached Tyrion and because of his friendship with her Father, he sought her out to comfort her. Upon meeting with her and seeing her father’s passion and will in her eyes, Tyrion vowed to see her brought into the fold and the very next day, Tyrion made a rare appearance at the Court to announce that he would take Eldyra under his wing as his Squire. So his squire she became, learning everything he knows in the art of combat and horse riding.
Unlike most in her kingdom of Tiranoc, who would ride a Chariot into battle, Eldyra prefers to ride a mighty steed of her own, one that is said to be able to keep pace with the famous Malhandir (Tyrion's horse).
Sea Lord Aislinn
Sea lord of the High Elf Navy and thought to be the champion of the Elven Sea God Mathlann himself. Aislinn Is an Admaral without parallel, who has seen the High Elves to victory again and again. Despite this, the other Nobles of Ulthuan tend to steer clear of him, even the Phoenix King himself, this is due to the fact that, despite his many victories, his methods are something his fellow Asur find most questionable. Aislinn is of a mind that his people are superior to all other races and that they will not survive simply by protecting their borders. Instead, the Sea Lord has lead many brutal and genocidal campaigns against the Norse, Dark Elves and even Pirates.
In one infamous instance, a group of Pirates from Marienburg sacked a Elven Coastal settlement and Aislinn perused the pirates all the way back to the port of Marienburg and Aislinn Set about sacking the entire city just to retrieve the treasures the pirates had stolen and enact his vengeance upon them.
Aislinn also has a fierce rivalry with Lokhir Fellheart; the pairs fleets met in an epic clash within the sea of sepents and though the High Elves fought valiantly, they could not withstand the onslaight of the Druchii Doomreavers. Ailsinn himself was stabbed through the chest by Lokhir's Blades and thrown overboard, only to was up on the shores of Ulthuan 6 months later without so much as a scar. It was this miracle, coupled with Ailsinn's ability to summon hosts of Merwyrm's to his aid made the High Elves hail him as the Herald of Mathlann.
Generic Lords/Heroes and Mounts






(optional) Info on these Lords/Heroes and how they could work in WH2
Anointed Asuryan
Leaders of the Phoenix Guard. An Anti-Large Lord choice who has a heavy supportive role and focuses on buffing friendly troops.
Archmage
Generic mage lord choice for the High Elves
Dragon Mage
Dragon mount for mages (perhaps Caledor Exclusive)
Flamespyre Phoenix and Frostheart Phoenix
Mount for the Anointed Asuryan. Could be given to the Noble as well.
Griffin Mount
Mount for the High Elf Prince, Althran Stormrider and Eltharion.
Sea Helms
Sea Helms are the greatest heroes of Lothern, and the Lothern Sea Guard elite. Most Sea Helms choose to fight from the back of a Swift Lothern Skycutter, as it allows them to dart through volleys of arrows and bolts and get straight to the heart of the battle, so that they might fell an enemy hero; decapitating the opposing army with a single strike and hopefully bringing the battle to a swift conclusion.
Missing Units






(optional) Info on these units and how they could work in WH2
Arcane Phoenix
The Arcane Phoenix is the Living embodiment of the destructive and purging will of Aqshy (the Magic Lore of Fire). They have a wingspan as large as any mighty War-eagle and they are cloaked in blazing feathers that even the sharpest arrow cannot penetrate. A nimbus of flame constantly shrouds the Arcane Phoenix, betraying its otherworldly heritage. their fire attacks sear the flesh of their prey; and their long-feathered tails leave a spray of blazing sparks and embers in the their wake as they swoop across the battlefield.
These mythical creatures are highly sought after by the Wizards of Ulthuan, who will go to great lengths to bind the Arcane Phoenixes wherever and whenever they appear; so that they and they alone, can command their great power.
Lothern Skycutter
the Skycutter’s are sleek airborne chariots that rest upon a cushion of magic and are drawn into battle by Swift-Feather Rocs that nest along the Glittering Coast (so, not Great Eagles).
Skycutters’ serve as the scouts of many armies, flying far ahead of the main forces with the goal of keeping the skies clear and surveying the area for potential threats or geometry that could be used to gain a tactical advantage. The Skycutter has a small crew of archers and a powerful Eagle Bolt Thrower attached to the front; the archers pepper foes with arrows while the Bolt Thrower can deal ruinous blows upon even the mightiest of beasts.
Implementation into Warhammer 2
As a unit, the Skycutter would function like the Wood Elf 'Hawk Riders' but, instead of a focus on cycle charging, the Skycutters’ have medium Range Bolt Thrower shotguns with Anti large that they can rain down on their foes with relative impunity, provided the skies are clear.
Skycutters’ also act as mounts for the Sea Helms and they might have dodge, since they are supposed to be ridiculously agile.
Merwyrm
Like the Dark Elf Sea Dragon, these creatures of the deep share a distant ancestry with the mighty winged Dragons that once ruled the skies. These are hardy beasts that can regenerate wounds at an alarming rate and the Asur regularly summon them as servant's and treasure the fact that they can still thrive on land as well as at sea.
Pride of War Lions
The Fierce hunting cats of Chrace are powerful creatures, almost as tall at the shoulders as an Elven Steed: with a muscular frame and a sharp, cunning mind. The size and power of these White Lions, forces the people of Chrace to cull the beasts regularly to keep their settlements safe. the Elves take no joy in needless slaughter however, and will often stay their blades if a cub is discovered. Instead, the hunters foster the cubs and with expert care, the young Lions are raised to become as loyal as Griffins, forming a bond with the Hunters that raised them and when they are ready, they will serve in the armies of Ulthuan.
When preparing for war, it has been known for High Elf Mages to bind a pride of War Lions to their will. Such an action is not without risk; The Lions are very intelligent, patient creatures and are not easily controlled. ‘Scrolls of Binding’ can be used to unify and direct the War Lions in the heat of battle, but ultimately, if they are to become true allies, a Mage must strive to bond with her predatory companions. Once the Mage is accepted into the pride, the War Lions will remain loyal to the Wizard without the use of any rites or magic. A Mage who has been adopted by a pride of War Lions in this way can find herself with a bodyguard that even the Phoenix King himself might envy.
White Lion Chariot
Many of the Phoenix Kings bodyguard ride into battle astride a White Lion Chariot. The pair of Snarling War Lions who draw the Chariot are savage in battle, their power and ferocity matched only by their feline grace and elegantly plaited manes. Whilst a Tiranoc Chariot might weave through the battlefield, carefully picking off a foe, the Lion chariots on the other hand will ram straight into the thick of the fighting. The Crew of the Chariot cleave enemy heads from their shoulders while the Lions drag them along, chewing their way through the foes battle lines with tooth and claw. This has earned them a well-deserved reputation as the bane of even the most determined shieldwall.
Let me know what you think and don't be afraid to list something I missed.
Comments
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1 · Disagree AgreeI had Mengil Manhide in my Dark Elf list as well.
They may be mercenaries but they are still important characters with larger backstory than many of the more legitimate lords (Asarnil has more lore than Eldyra, Korhil and Althran if I'm not mistaken).
These lords would be an ideal opportunity to give the HE and DE some legendary lords in the old world, where otherwise they might have none.
Vampire Counts
Bretonnia
Lizardmen
Dark Elves
High Elves
Skaven
Greenskins
Dwarfs
Wood Elves
Beastmen
Missing Factions Series
Dogs of War part 1
Dogs of War part 2
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1 · Disagree Agree- Report
1 · Disagree AgreeHe's more of a diplomat, he would be in Lothern and in the lore, I'm sure he kind of gets others to fight his battles.
Vampire Counts
Bretonnia
Lizardmen
Dark Elves
High Elves
Skaven
Greenskins
Dwarfs
Wood Elves
Beastmen
Missing Factions Series
Dogs of War part 1
Dogs of War part 2
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2 · Disagree AgreeDoes anyone else think Finubar should be on this list?
Vampire Counts
Bretonnia
Lizardmen
Dark Elves
High Elves
Skaven
Greenskins
Dwarfs
Wood Elves
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Missing Factions Series
Dogs of War part 1
Dogs of War part 2
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0 · Disagree Agree- Report
0 · Disagree AgreeBut another great list! Thanks a lot for this.
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0 · Disagree AgreeMaybe he would be only HE LL on dragon, and he wouldn't be part of HE roster. LoL
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0 · Disagree AgreeAs for units, give me all of them.
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0 · Disagree AgreeI suppose you could have him as a not quite so good in melee Tyrion but with greater support buffs, to represent him not only being the Phoenix King, but a decent guy who those who know him seem devoted to.
But..no. Whilst I'd like to see him, as he's one of the only decent people in the entire Warhammer universe, he's probably the last who should turn up in-game.
Belanner has a similar issue, it'd be a not quite as good Teclis. Should be either Imrik or Eltharion.
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4 · Disagree AgreeGreat list btw!
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0 · Disagree AgreeOtherwise good list, keep up the good work. I really enjoy these threads and how you explain each unit and character's inclusion and roles in the game.
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0 · Disagree AgreeDemand more love for Empire, Greenskins and Beastmen! Playable Middenland with Cult of Ulric! Expanded Beastmen roster with Ghorgon and Jabberslythe! Bring back Black Orcs variants and Orc Big Boss heroes!
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0 · Disagree Agree"I shivered at the sight of her - her beauty far beyond that of mortal man. But her soul glowed with an inner darkness that chilled my very core."
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0 · Disagree Agreealways proud of his dragon rider ancestors
"I shivered at the sight of her - her beauty far beyond that of mortal man. But her soul glowed with an inner darkness that chilled my very core."
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2 · Disagree AgreeCurse of Khaine.
Example HE spearman is kind basic citizen of HE.
However for Humans citizen is peasent that can't fight.
So Finubar at bare minimum must be stronger than HE prince. Yes he weaker than Tyrion, but only.
Finubar on named Star dragon, why not. Lokhir main example.
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0 · Disagree AgreeNukit Claw quality animations and new abilities for Minaithnir would make me a happy man.
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0 · Disagree AgreeAlso Sea lord Aislinn could be a cool sea-oriented lord, if they add sea helms and skycutters he would fit well as buffing them, sea guard and bolt throwers as well as having numerous bonuses on the ocean.
Both Aislinn and Finubar are centered in Lothern however, so they are not top picks IMO.
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1 · Disagree AgreeLet Slip the Dogs of War - A fanmade Campaign Pack concept
https://forums.totalwar.com/discussion/303462/let-loose-the-dogs-of-war-a-fanmade-campaign-pack-concept
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0 · Disagree Agree- Report
0 · Disagree AgreeWouldn't be surprised for him to turn up, to the bafflement of us all when we can all think of more interesting characters we'd like to see!
Still, only a few weeks before we find out.
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0 · Disagree Agree- Report
0 · Disagree Agree- Report
2 · Disagree Agree- Report
4 · Disagree AgreeOf the High Elf kingdoms so far we have Nagarythe, Avelorn, Lothern, and Saphery. Sure, Teclis doesn't actually start in Saphery but his faction's focus is all on loremasters, mages, and swordmasters, it's effectively a Saphery faction. That leaves:
- Eataine
- Caledor
- Ellyrion
- Tiranoc
- Yvresse
- Cothique
- Chrace
Tiranoc and Ellyrion are focused entirely on cavalry and chariots. Almost all of those are already in the game, and neither kingdom has any named characters of note, so they're out. Eataine is only a region of the Lothern province on Mortal Empires, and all the units they'd focus on (Phoenixes, Phoenix Gaurd) are already in game. They have Caradryan and Annoited of Asuryan, but just a new lord and some new hero/lord options isn't much to work with.Chrace has both a named character and two missing units, three if they made the Guardians of Chrace unit champion into a full unit, so they're a real contender. Cothique and Yvresse are very similar, themed around the sea and the Shifting Isles, and there are a few sea-oriented units, heroes, and lords who could get associated with them. Only Yvresse has a specific named character, though, and while you could maybe give Aislinn to Cothique he's a weaker character than Eltharion, who also has ties to Saphery and could bring in the missing Archmages. Caledor is the final option and while it has a named character and a new hero option, all of its associated units are already in the game.
So to me the best options are either Eltharion in Yvresse or Korhil in Chrace.
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0 · Disagree AgreeI'm not saying DoW don't need it. He's a cross over character who could potentially go to either faction. If I was to do a DoW list I would have him on there as well as here. Just like how I had the Red Duke and Abhorash on Bretonnia as well as the Vampire Counts
Vampire Counts
Bretonnia
Lizardmen
Dark Elves
High Elves
Skaven
Greenskins
Dwarfs
Wood Elves
Beastmen
Missing Factions Series
Dogs of War part 1
Dogs of War part 2
- Report
0 · Disagree Agree- Report
0 · Disagree AgreeDemand more love for Empire, Greenskins and Beastmen! Playable Middenland with Cult of Ulric! Expanded Beastmen roster with Ghorgon and Jabberslythe! Bring back Black Orcs variants and Orc Big Boss heroes!
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0 · Disagree Agree- Report
0 · Disagree AgreeEltharion and Imrik both have the most precedent for being placed abroad or to have their quests focus around raiding places like Naggaroth. I wouldn't be surprised if CA went that way for the sake of diversifying the HE start locations.
Personally I think Eltharion has the most potential, since he has a connection with a decent chunk of these units; if he starts in Yvresse he would take the brunt of Sartosa and he could also be pitted against Grom or the Dark Elves (could have him start abroad and be forced to watch your homeland get torn apart by Grom and Sartosa, with the initial goal of his campaign being to retake Yvresse)
Vampire Counts
Bretonnia
Lizardmen
Dark Elves
High Elves
Skaven
Greenskins
Dwarfs
Wood Elves
Beastmen
Missing Factions Series
Dogs of War part 1
Dogs of War part 2
- Report
1 · Disagree Agree