High Elves
In Games Workshop's Warhammer Fantasy setting, the High Elves are a race of Elves who live on the Isle of Ulthuan, analogous to Atlantis. They are nearly immortal, and their Mages are among the best in the world. more...
Many thousands of years ago, the dark elves were once High Elves, and lived in Ulthuan. Malekith was the son of Aenarion, the first Phoenix King, and thus was, according to birthright, the rightful successor to the throne. However Malekeith was, like his father, warlike and the elves had just been through a time of war and desired a peaceful ruler who would help them re-build their strength. So instead a different king was chosen. The ensuing dissent led to a civil war that raged across Ulthuan and eventually brought about the exile of Malekith, his mother Morathi, and his followers from Ulthuan. This group relocated to Naggaroth, the Land of Chill, and founded the Six Cities (Naggarond, Hag Graef, Ghrond, Karond Kar, Clar Karond, Har Ganeth).
Malekith was also a corrupt follower of "The Cult of Pleasure". This cult was actually a secret society of chaos worshiping elves who could have been anyone. It was hard to tell who was in the cult and who wasn't. This is the reason that Malekith wasn't chosen for the throne. Malekith and other followers of the cult broke off and became dark elves.
While playing the Warhammer Fantasy Battle tabletop wargame, Elves are generally expensive, but have high Leadership, Initiative and Movement. Their most successful tactics are similar to those of the Roman army. Though usually considered a strictly defensive army, they are highly adaptable and, although difficult for any beginner, are one of the most rewarding armies for a cunning player.
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