The Sea Guard can fight as effectively on the land as on sea, and are equally resolute defending the walls of Tor Bandek as battling across the decks of Elven warships. Most Elven soldiery is called to arms only in times of great need, for there are too few Elves to maintain large armies all the time. The Sear Guard, however, is always kept at strength and retains a cote of full-time warriors. When the armies of Ulthuan go to war, the Sea Guard go with them, to crew the many warships and secure beachheads enabling the rest of the army to come ashore. The function of the Sea Guard means that they must fulfill the dangerous tasks of defending their vessels from attack, mounting boarding actions against enemy ships and attacking coastal positions. To achieve this, they are armed with spears and bows, the better to achieve their many tasks combining the best aspects of Elf Spearmen and Archers. Those who have witnessed the Cothique Sea Guard in action can attest to their practiced skill, disembarking effortlessly from their boats as the keel brushes against the shore. Advancing in a disciplined formation through the churning foam, spears lowered and bows at the ready.
Swordmasters of Hoeth
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The Swordmasters of Hoeth are perhaps the greatest martial artists in the world of Warhammer, warrior-ascetics who dedicate their lives to the pursuit of obtaining perfect balance between mind and body, between the cultivation of wisdom and the study of war.
For thousands of years, Swordmasters have been the guardians of the White Tower of Hoeth, the high temple to the Elven God of Wisdom and the greatest training ground for mages in all of Ulthuan, standing like a beacon in the heart of mystic Saphery. Over hundreds of years of meditation and training, the Swordmasters cultivate their minds and bodies into a perfect instrument of war, favoring the Elven greatsword above all else. These double-edged and wickedly-sharp blades are a full six-feet in length, yet the Swordmaster is so skilled in their use that they can wield these swords as fast as an ordinary warrior might wield a one-handed blade. It is said that the Swordmasters can fight in complete darkness, guided by the sound of their opponent's breath, that they can cut a candle in half without disturbing the flame or even deflect arrows in midair, and that many a foe barely registers their swords leaving their scabbards.
“Enlightenment is achieved by mastering not only the body, but the soul. Only then can a warrior truly understand the value of life, and why it should be protected at all costs.” - Belannaer of Hoeth, Bladelord of the White Tower.
Warriors of the Blackwood
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Blackwood, a dense forest in Chrace that served as the natural border between Chrace and Nagarythe, was home to many of Chrace's best hunters. Chaotic beasts from the Annulli mountains often made this wood their home, and many Chracian's came here to test their hunting skills; Manticores, Black Pegasi and even the fabled White Lions of Chrace could be found in deep, twisting undergrowth of Blackwood.
When the Civil War began, the armies of Nagarythe passed first through this forest, and the hunters there soon had new prey to hunt. Calling themselves the Blackwood Warriors, these hunters formed small guerrilla bands, and using their knowledge of the terrain to their advantage, began to wreak havoc among the Naggarothi Army. Striking out from the darkness of the trees, the Blackwood Warriors would emerge, slaughter Naggarothi soldiers as they moved through the woods, and then melt back into the shadows of the forest.
The Blackwood Warriors now offer their services to any who would help them liberate their homes from the armies of Nagarythe. While they lack the discipline and heavy armor of more professional soldiers, the Blackwood warriors are still a formidable foe. Armed with leather armor, a light shield and a vicious axe, the Blackwood Warriors might not be able to stand toe-to-toe with the heavily armored Knights of Anlec, but they have the speed and ferocity to flank the enemy and then scythe their way through the enemy's lines.
Warriors of Drakespine
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The Drakespine Mountains are an ancient formation of volcanic peaks, beneath which slumber the great Dragons of myth. All Caledorians share a common bond with their Dragon brethren, but the Drakespine Warriors have a special connection with the Dragons. Living in complete isolation at the peaks of the Drakespine Mountains, these warriors have learned to survive in the harshest of conditions, and they have sworn their lives to protect the Dragons and their ancestral breeding grounds. In exchange, it is said that the Drakespine warriors are granted the wisdom and the strength of the dragon.
The have lived apart from the rest of Caledor, and Ulthuan itself, for generations. But no longer...
As the Black Dragons of Naggarythe made their appearance, and it became clear that somehow, Naggarothi agents had stolen dragon eggs from the roosts the Drakespine Warriors were sworn to protect, it was not only the dragons that flew into a fury. The Drakespine Warriors have descended from their mountaintops and will stop at nothing to put an end to the suffering of the Black Dragons who languish under the yoke of the Naggarothi, and make the Naggarothi pay for their transgression.
Armed with Spear and Bow, the Drakespine Warriors are a force to be reckoned with. Unlike the professional soldiers of Ulthuan, these warriors have not trained to fight together, and in fact many of these Warriors have lived in complete solitude for centuries. Still, while they may lack the cohesion of a professional force, it is said that each Drakespine Warrior is an army unto himself. While that might be an exaggeration, the Drakespine Warriors are more than capable of bringing death to their enemies or reinforcing a wavering battle line.
Meravan's Marines
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This regiment of the Sea Guard comes from Cothique and they are equipped and armed by the eccentric Príncipe Meravan. His shields are decorated by a terrible dragon, the same image that adorns the sails and banners of Meravan's ship, the Sun Dragon.
Phoenix King Caledor I (Imrik)
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After the massacre of the Shrine of Asuryan, once more the Elf realms were plunged into turmoil. Malekith and his followers fled north to Nagarythe. Leaderless, the High Elves did not pursue. Frantic consultations were held between the few surviving princes, the Chief Priest of the Shrine of Asuryan and the Captain of the Phoenix Guard. It was decided that there was only one Elf capable of the task. The third Phoenix King was to be Imrik, who upon his succession took the name Caledor the First. He was the grandson of the famous mage of that name, Caledor the Dragontamer.
Although he lacked his grandsire's gift for magic, Caledor was a great warrior and general. At the time of the murders in the Shrine of Asuryan he was hunting in Chrace. He was still with his companions high in the mountains when the messengers located him and informed him of the disaster at the Shrine, and the council's decision to elect him king. Moment later, one of the most famous events in Elf history took place. Malekith had despatched a band of assassins to slay the new Phoenix King and they arrived after the messenger from the shrine, attacking immediatly. There were dozens of them and they would have overpowered the future king had not a band of Chracian hunters happened upon the battle and intervened.
These powerful mountain-dwelling Elves leapt among the Naggarothi assassins and cut them down, saving Caledor's life.
Elven steeds
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Dragon Princes
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Dragon Princes are famous for their power and bravery among both Elves than their enemies. They are also known for their pompous pride and arrogance. However, no one can deny the fact that these are noble lords, cold and unyielding, but fair and wise for the most part. Like all elves, they are a sensetive people, and great wisdom is not sure to be overtaken by anger or pride. As an exemple, Caledor II was one of those arrogant lords. Caledor II was an intelligent ruler, tutored by the greatest sages, scholars and warriors, elves. But he allowed himself, like others, caught up in the maelstrom of hyper feelings that characterize Elves. The pride of the nobles of Caledor, and especially of High Dragon Princes, is legendary. Nobles genuinely believe they are the paragons of what should be an elf and that others should defer to them.
Later after the Sundering, the fact that three of their princes were the Phoenix Kings, and among those who remain the most beloved, reinforces the feeling that the kingdom Caledor is the noblest, the most powerful and intended to guide others. This is why the Dragon High Princes never lay their banner as a sign of respect. But that pride is the source of compulsive behavior that only Elves can understand, pride comes in the shape of all things for Caledonians, from those who are able to devote unprecedented time to polishing their Dragon Armor, or development of a simple Battle Stance. Indeed, “Dragon High Princes of Caledor” is a byword for arrogance amongst Elves of other lands. The ancient traditions are reflected in the Ithilmar armour worn by the Knights of Caledor , modeled in the antique style. In both cases the ornately detailed armour is forged in the heart of a volcano in the Dragon Spine Mountains using ancient enchantments that were perfected when Ulthuan was young.
Ellyrian Reaver Knights
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In the time of Caledor, all Ulthuan was in turmoil and the armies of Malekith roamed freely, destroying and slaying at will. The Phoenix King called for brave young horsemen to ride the troubled land. Many answered his call, but the greatest in number by far came from Ellyrion, a land renowned for its fine horses and skilled riders. During the long and bitter war that ended in the Sundering, these valiant riders served Caledor well. In small groups they travelled quickly and secretly across the land, taking messages and soliciting support from amongst the Elven Lands, ambushing patrols and intercepting raiders. Caledor named the swift Elven horsemen his Reaver Knights, and they have been known by that title ever since. These brave horsemen learned to live deep inside enemy territory, finding their sustenance in the wilds and taking what they needed from their foe. They would strike hard and fast before vanishing once more into the wilderness. Soon the evil armies of Malekith became wary of leaving their fortified encampments except in large numbers for fear of attack by the swift knights of Ellyrion. When not fighting they would spread the word of Caledor’s struggle, fostering rebellion and helping loyal Elves to escape the clutches of the Witch King. Stories of their deeds spread amongst Caledor’s amies, lending hope to the High Elf cause during the dark days of struggle when all seemed lost. The term Reaver Knight became a byword for dauntless courage and swift skillful warfare. After the war was over and the evil kindred was driven from Ulthuan, Caledor recognized the part played by his Reaver knights and heaped the greatest praise upon these warriors from Ellyrion. He instituted the creation of Reaver bands formed of young Ellyrian nobles, which would live in the field for months or even years at a time, watching the coasts for any sign of enemy attack, and patrolling the shoreline of Ulthuan for any sign of Dark Elves or Norse raiders.
Alith Anar
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The story of Alith Anar begins shortly before the Civil War, when Nagarythe was the seat of Malekith. While the cities of Nagarythe sank into decadence under the influence of Morathi and the Cult of Pleasure, the hill clans of Nagarythe, grim warriors forged in the Wars against Chaos held aloof. Their leader was Eoloran Anar, a noble of one of the oldest families of Nagarythe, a loyalist to Caledor I, and grandfather to Alith Anar.When Malekith moved against the Phoenix King, his hand fell first and hardest upon the loyalist forces in Nagarythe. At the Battle of Dark Fen, Eothlir son of Eoloran Anar and father to Alith Anar, and an army of loyalist archers and spearmen staged a last stand against a rebel army three times their number, holding them off until the Dark Elf General Kheranion's Black Dragon crushed their formation, gravely wounded Eothlir, and sent the loyalists scattering.At his father's command, Alith Anar and the few survivors made their way through a perilous gauntlet of pursuers, through fen and swamp. When they regrouped, the survivors swore oaths of vengeance, and made themselves masters of the art of guerrilla warfare. During the Civil War, Alith Anar and his guerrillas served as the eyes and ears of the loyalist army, striking without warning and without mercy, their lightning strikes often playing a decisive role in major battles.
Dryads
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Dryads are able to shape-shift into different forms, often mimicking the appearance of Elves, appearing as unearthly, lithe and beautiful maidens. In battle, the Dryads take on their war-aspect, with distorted limbs, features and vicious wooden talons capable of rending and impaling their foes. On the battlefield, the Dryads skirmishing, fear causing style of battle means allows you to flank any unsuspecting units and see them running for their lives.
Phoenix Guard
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Phoenix Guards are the hieratic guardians of the Shrine of Asuryan, the great pyramid temple on an isle in the Sea of Dreams. Inside the shrine it is said there lies the Chamber of Days, and that the histories of Phoenix Guards past, present and future, are written on the ancient walls of the shrine in words of fire upon stone. Any who look upon that wall will know both the future and the past, and will forever be cursed with knowledge of their own death. The Phoenix Guards do not utter a word, for it is forbidden for anyone who has seen the secrets of time to speak of them, and all who do so take a magical vow of silence from which they can never be released.
Dragon Guard of Tor Caled
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The Dragon Guard of Tor Caled represents the elite of Caledors infantry and its is their duty to protect the palaces of the Dragons Lord of Caledor. These hand-picked warriors have accumulated such mastery in the arts of swordplay that they are known throughout Ulthuan. Even those within Anlec are jealous of their prestige. The Dragon Guard of Tor Caled accompanies the Dragon Lords on the field of battle and such is their determination, spirit and martial skill that few can stand before them. Inspired by the spirit of sacrifice and duty, the Dragon Guard would rather die than retreat or surrender and as such they appear to some as utterly fearless warriors. When the Standard of the Flaming Sword is present on the battlefield, pride and even greater courage strengthen their hearts and this inspires those around them. Superbly disciplined, they fear no foe, and even the Daemonic Legions of Chaos cannot break their resolve. Their magnificent golden armour denotes their rank, and their long crimson cloaks honour all those who have died performing their duty.
Spearmen
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Once a High Elf Archer has proven his worth fighting with his regiment for a decade or more, he is trained to fight as part of a Spear regiment, using the tall spears that the High Elves favour. After only a short time a regiment of High Elf Spears becomes a finely honed fighting machine. Each member of the unit instinctively knows the mind of his comrades to either side and the whole regiment intuitively fights as one body. Each warrior plays his part as if their every movement was part of a catefully choreographed plan, overlapping one another and providing protection, or opening the defenses of the enemy without so much as a spoken word or a nod. Such training serves only to improve upon the natural prowess of the High Elves, and it has earned them a reputation for which they are rightly feared by their foes.
Sentinel is the title given to the Elves who command the Spear regiments, and theirs is the duty to oversee the training of their comrades. Without exception they are veterans of many bloody battles, who have faced countless horrors and lived. Their hard-won experience benefits the Elves around them, instilling confidence as well as providing the regiment with a hardened warrior to take on the worst the enemy has to throw at them. Like the regiments of Archers, the High Elf Spear regiments are garbed in white, often with a coloured border design that proclaims their realm or city of origins. For the High Elves white is the colour of purity and of death, and their robes symbolize their determination to fight to the end if necessary.
Treekin
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Treekin are tree-like humanoid creatures, that mainly inhabit Avelorn. Treekin in their normal state manifest as small, glowing orbs. However, they are more than capable of changing their shape and appearance at will. In times of conflict the spirits of the forest bind themselves to the husks of dead trees and fallen branches to enter the fray, willing the dead limbs to move silently through their forest home. Lacking any of the outward signs of true life, these beings are completely motionless at rest, indistinguishable from the lifeless hulks from which they are formed with nothing to betray the essence that lurks within. Once battle is entered however, a Treekin becomes a formidable fighter. Standing 8 feet tall with a tough, gnarled body, twisted limbs and sharpened claws, they are fearless and fearsome parodies of men. Any who dare travel deep into the forests of Ulthuan may encounter the ferodity of these monsters.
Lion Chariot
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Of the wild beasts that prowl within the realm of Chrace, the white lions from which the famed Chracian regiment take their name are the best known. These lions are deadly hunting cats that stand as tall at the shoulder as a horse. Each white lion is capable of rending a foe limb from limb and a swipe of their claw is enough to break a man's neck. There are accounts of prides of white lions ravaging convoys travelling through the region and even attacking isolated villages should they become hungry enough.
Tiranoc Chariot
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When the Phoenix King calls his subjects to war, the fiery Nobles of Tiranoc are always among the first to answer. They fight with incredible skill, complementing the awesome speed of the Elven steeds that pull them, darting in between enemy units and raining arrows onto their enemies. When they charge, they crash fearlessly into the ranks of their foes, the steeds biting and kicking, even as the riders thrust out with razor-sharp spears. When the chariots of Tiranoc launch a mass charge, the ground trembles beneath the thundering hooves of the Elven Steeds, bringings dread to the enemies of the High Elves. Many great and noble Elven heroes have hailed from the realm of Tiranoc.
Bel Shanaar, the second Phoenix King, was a prince of Tiranoc prior to his election, a skilled warrior who had distinguished himself in the wars against the Daemons. Upon his chariot, named Silver Wind, he and his chosen charioteers drove entire Daemon hosts before them. To the Elves who saw them fight, they became known as the Wind Riders. To this day whenever a large force of Tiranoc charioteers is gathered they are referred to as the Riders of the Wind, a mark of respect for the ancient warrior who oversaw the recovery of the High Elf race, and lost his life to the betrayal of Malekith.
Great Eagles
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The pact that binds the Great Eagles to the High Elves is ancient, lasting since the time that the legendary Caradinor and Sulinash rode to war against the Daemons of Chaos. Compared to Griffons, or even Elven steeds, Great Eagles are highly intelligent and require no training and very little coaxing to join the Elves in battle. Their depth of understanding and their intellect is greater than any creature save perhaps Dragons, and the wisest of the Asure are able to converse with them as if passing the time of day. Great Eagles are haughty and proud creatures though, and they do not suffer foolish company gladly. With powerful talons the Great Eagles swoop down upon the crew of enemy war machines and tear them apart, before using might wings to bear themselves swiftly away and out of reach.
Lothern Seaguard
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Just as the people of every Elven realm provide Spear and Archer regiments, so the city of Lothern provides the majority of the fighting crews of the Phoenix King’s fleet. The Sea Guard can fight as effectively on the land as on sea, and are equally resolute defending the walls of Lothern as battling across the decks of Elven warships.
Most Elven soldiery is called to arms only in times of great need, for there are too few Elves to maintain large armies all the time. The Sear Guard, however, is always kept at strength and retains a cote of full-time warriors. When the armies of Ulthuan go to war, the Sea Guard go with them, to crew the many warships and secure beachheads enabling the rest of the army to come ashore. The function of the Sea Guard means that they must fulfill the dangerous tasks of defending their vessels from attack, mounting boarding actions against enemy ships and attacking coastal positions. To achieve this, they are armed with spears and bows, the better to achieve their many tasks combining the best aspects of Elf Spearmen and Archers. Those who have witnessed the Lothern Sea Guard in action can attest to their practiced skill, disembarking effortlessly from their boats as the keel brushes against the shore. Advancing in a disciplined formation through the churning foam, spears lowered and bows at the ready.
Last edited by Arandir Tur-Anion de Bodemloze; February 01, 2013 at 09:08 AM.
They are so beautiful! Though I'm already used to most of these models, they clearly represent the visual creme de la creme of your work and continue to amaze me. Wow =)
"To achieve everything that is possible, we must try to do the impossible." (H. Hesse)
[PREVIEW] High Elves
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