DARK ELVES
The Uniforms & Heraldry of the Dreadlords of
Naggaroth
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Introduction...pg. 3
Map of Naggaroth...pg. 6
Naggarond...pg. 7
Hag Graef...pg. 11
Ghrond...pg. 15
Clar Karond...pg. 19
Har Ganeth...pg. 22
Karond Kar...pg. 26
Border Towers...pg. 29
Underworld Shades...pg. 31
Black Arks...pg. 32
Cult of Pleasure...pg. 33
Hosts of Evil...pg. 37
2
The Dark Elves, or the Druchii as they call themselves
in their own tongue, also known as the Naggarothi or
the “Dark Ones” are one of the most ancient, powerful,
and certainly the most sadistic of the three Elven
civilizations.
In the bleak, chilly lands of Naggaroth lies the Dark
Elven kingdoms of the Witch King Malekith, a realm
born from the depths of malice and hate, a kingdom
that seeks nothing more than to despoil a world its
people believe loathes their existence. With malevolent
eyes, the Dark Elves watch this dying world, knowing it
is their birthright to rule all that they survey and those
that live upon it are born to do nothing more than to
grovel at their feet.
Until that day finally dawns when the Isles of Ulthuan
are finally theirs, the Dark Elves will continue their
bloody quest as they always have. Clad in unique and
dread inspiring war gear, the Druchii march to war
under evil banners or else board great raiding fleets,
their sails black against the night sky, bring woe and
destruction to all the shores of the world, bearing terror
and death to distant realms, often for no better reason
than because there is no one who can stand against
them.
The Druchii are raiders, slavers and heartless reavers of
the first degree, their every whim being nothing more
than to sow misery and pain to all that oppose them, for
misery and pain is the very lifeblood of their existence.
Thus, do their Black Arks and Corsair fleets ply the
great waters of the world, raiding and enslaving all
before them as a tribute to their own avaricious desires.
3
Yet, even should every other land bow to their rule, the
Dark Elves know that they cannot claim their glorious
inheritance whilst their hated brethren, the High Elves,
endure.
With every year that passes, the power of Naggaroth
ascends to greater heights, built upon the backs of
slaves and fueled by a constant stream of plunder from
far-off lands. As the other elder races fade, the Dark
Elves thrive, knowing that their hour has at last come.
Storm clouds gather across the High Elf realms, and
the Witch King’s malevolent laughter echoes upon
the wind. Naggaroth will rise, Ulthuan will fall, and a
vengeance thousands of years in the making will finally
see its bloody conclusion.
4
The harsh land of Naggaroth is dominated by the Druchii.
From the storm wracked north on the edge of the chaos
wastes, to the dark pine forests of the south where huge
plantations are worked by slaves to feed their cruel
masters.
Most Dark Elves hail from one of six great cities, built
upon beached Black Arks or hewn from the wilderness by
the Dru Perim, or “Black Pilgrims,” after the Sundering.
These cities are the most depraved places in the known
world, where murder lurks in every shadow and the weak
are slain for the amusement of the strong.
Each of these fortified cities, whose sinister pinnacles
rise high into the gloomy and tempestuous sky, field
hosts of soldiers bred for war. Schooled by lifetime of
survival amidst the twisted streets of their cities, they
bear the distinct qualities and skills inherent to their
savage culture. The soldiery bears the icons and colors
of their city’s dark Masters, their gods, and their house.
This is reflected in every piece of gear: from silk robes to
enameled armor, to shields and banners.
Some cities are also home to ever more deadly practitioners
of violence. These too bear war gear of singular colors,
icons, and unique make. They often join the ranks of
the armies at the command of their Dreadlords, though
many will have their own reasons.
When the Druchii host takes to the field it is as a midnight
ocean tide splashed with dark colors in stark contrast to
their fair cousins of Ulthuan. The Druchii trade white
for black and vibrant colors for shades more reflecting of
their twisted world view.
5
The Six Cities of the Druchii
6
Naggarond Hag Graef Ghrond Har Ganeth Clar Karond Karond Kar
Naggarond
Naggarond, the Tower of Cold or the City
of Cold, is the oldest and largest of the
Dark Elves’ cities, and quite likely the most
malevolent place in the world. Its outer walls
form an imposing circlet of black stone, in
no place less than a hundred feet tall. About
the ramparts are set a hundred towers, each
rising as high above the battlements as the
walls rise above the bare rock. It is from here
that Malekith turns his baleful gaze upon the
world. Soldiers’ uniforms and gear reflect this
bearing dark blues and purples. Red often
accents and marks a warrior with over a
hundred kills.
Left. An elite trooper who has
earned his crimson uniform.
Right. Black Guard are the personal
troops of the Witch King. Each
Tower of Guard sports unique
icons and uniforms.
7
Above Left. Banner of
Dreadlord Vashnaar
Above Right. Black Guard Tower
Banner.
Each Master and Lordling
in Naggarond equips their
household troops in their own
colors and icons in a manner
designed to please Malekith
and to breed jealousy in their
rivals.
8
Above. Pennant from a Cold One Knight’s
lance.
Below. Malekith’s closest supporters are
often granted chariots to denote their
favor.
Dragon and Crescent Moon
icons are common icons in
Naggarond.
This banner features Khaine
in his war aspect.
9
Above. Order of the Golden
Serpent. This Dreadspear
cohort sports some of
Malekith’s original Ulthuan
rebels, the Dru Perim. To be
inducted into this troop is a
high honor. Many will go on
to join the Black Guard.
Left. Kouran Darkhand,
Captain of the Black Guard
is the longest-serving
member of Malekith’s
personal army, having
fought at the Witch King’s
side for nearly a thousand
years. Kouran’s wits are
sharp, but his battle-skills
are infinitely keener.
10
Hag Graef
Hag Graef, the Black Crag, is a sinister and
foreboding place, built at the bottom of a cold,
dark canyon and completely surrounded by
mountains of bare rock that stretch into the
clouds. It is a city permanently in shadow,
for no sunlight ever reaches its walls.
Troops are often clothed in rich, shimmering,
silks and gold. Shades of purples and golds
are particularly popular.
In the most populous city in
Naggaroth, the crushed heart is a
main icon. Winged icons are also
common.
11
Above. The icons of Dreadlord Ashrenek
Redeye.
Hag Graef is the wealthiest
city in Naggaroth. Dreadlords
flaunt their riches by gilding
themselves in gold and riding
dragons.
12
Above. Knight of Hag Graef lance pennant.
Below. Even common soldiers from Hag Graf stand apart from
other Druchii warriors. Thread of gold accents and silk uniforms.
The Dark Pegasus icons represent the gatekeepers
of the Underworld, one of the gates to which is
believed to lie beneath the city.
13
Malus Darkblade, the Tyrant of Hag Graef, was always ambitious, even by the lofty
standards of Hag Graef ’s warring families. For long years, he played the deadly game
of politics and assassination and played it well, but finally his thirst for power led
Darkblade into the clutches of a being darker even than he.
Darkblade has become legendary in Naggaroth, as a great warrior and leader whose
hatred can overcome any opposition. Wielding the Warpsword of Khaine, the only
surviving artifact from that long-distant quest, Darkblade has hacked a path of
bloody ruin across the frozen north, drawing upon Tz’arkan’s power when needed,
but relying first and foremost on his own dark determination and limitless reservoir
14
of hate.
Ghrond Ghrond, the Tower of Prophecy is the
domain of Malekith’s mother, the beautiful
seeress Morathi. From Ghrond’s pinnacle,
Sorceresses of the Dark Convent can see
through the snowstorms that whip about
the ever-shifting Realm of Chaos. It is said
that the patterns of change therein hold the
secrets of fate and that all the mysteries of
the world are laid bared to she who dares
look. The colors of Ghrond are those of the
icy wastelands of the north.
Right. Dark Riders deliver omens
scried by Morathi to all points in
Naggaroth.
Below. Warriors bear icons of the
Medusa, or all-seeing eye.
15
Above. Banner of Ghrond’s city
Cold blues and silver
cohorts.
dominate the colors of
Ghrond’s uniforms and
banners.
Right. City crossbowmen
man the walls, ever
watchful for incursions
from the north.
Below. Shades watch the
roads to the south for the
approach of Morathi’s
rivals.
Right. Many
Sisters of Slaughter
call Ghrond home.
16
Above. The Harbingers
are Ghrond’s elite corps
of post riders and scouts.
Bearing the icon of the
raven, they strike fast
before an enemy can
react.
Left and Right.
Sorceresses of the Dark
Convent. While many
Dru Perim houses still
train male mages, the
Sorceresses are the only
sanctioned practitioners
of magic by Malekith.
17
The Pantheonic Mandala
The deities of the Elves are divided into the Cadai, the Gods of the Heavens,
and the Cytharai, the Gods of the Underworld. In general, the Dark Elves
give greatest worship to the Cytharai, and so place them at the inner ring of
the Pantheonic Mandala, with Khaine given preeminence at its very heart.
1.Khaine, the 11.Mathlann, Lord of the
Bloody-Handed God Deep
2.Ereth Khial, the Pale 12.Eldrazor, Lord of Blades
Queen 13.Asuryan, the
3.Anath Raema, Creator
the Savage Huntress 14.Vaul, the Maker
4.Hekarti, Mistress of 15.Estreuth, Lord of
Magic Hunger
5.Atharti, Lady of Desire 16.Loec, the Shadow Dancer
6.Ladrielle, Lady of Mists 17.Kurnous, the Hunter
7.Drakira, Queen of 18.Hoeth, Lord of Wisdom
Vengeance 19.Isha, the Mother
8.Morai-Heg, the Crone 20.Ellinill, Lord of
9.Nethu, Keeper of the Destruction
Last Door 21.Hukon, Sunderer
18 10.Addaioth, Bringer of 22.Lileath, the Maiden
Fire
Clar Karond
Clar Karond, the Tower of Doom,
serves as the Witch King’s chief
shipyard, for it is here that the
keels are laid for many thousands
of raiding vessels. This is a more
sprawling city than others in
Naggaroth, stretching from the
banks of the Redvenom River up
into the trackless pine forests of
the Duskridge. The shields and
banners of Clar Karond celebrate
the prowess of their famous
beastmasters.
19
Red on Red uniforms are
favored along with serpent
and beast icons on shields
and banners.
20
The word Khelthrai means “Bloody Death,” and it is the only name by which this
deadly warrior of the Dark Elves is known. Khelthrai’s history is one of secret
pride to the Helbane family. Khelthrai killed his own mother to prove his loyalty
to the Helbanes. His ruthlessness and dedication were quickly recognized and in
return Anetbra had her granddaughter Ylandria induct the young Dark Elf into
the cult of Executioners in Har Ganeth. The threat of Khelthrai’s lethal attentions
has quelled opposition to the Helbanes for many centuries, and his blade stands
ever ready to dispatch those who would move against his adopted family. 21
Har Ganeth
Har Ganeth, the City of Executioners or the
City of Khaine, is a cursed place dedicated
to the worship of the Bloody-Handed God.
This blood-soaked metropolis is home to
the Witch Elves and Executioners. Even the
Dreadlords of the city are wary of the cults
that reside here. Crimson and gold dominate
the colors worn by the Khainites.
Witch Elves are found in
greater numbers in Har
Ganeth than any other city
in Naggaroth.
Right. Crone
Hellebron is the
de facto ruler of
Har Ganeth. No
Dreadlord dare
gainsay her.
Left. Hellebron’s
personal banner
depicting her war
aspect.
22
Above. Executioner banner depicting Khaine
in his Judgment aspect.
Right. Har Ganeth is the favored city of
Khaine. Bloody hearts are a common motif
upon the banners and shields of its warriors.
Below. Witch Elf banner depicting Death
Night.
23
Har Ganeth will always field war
altars when troops go on campaign.
24
Kynhaeaf is the favored daughter of Hellebron. She and her troop, the “Brides
of Khaine,” led the first invasion of Ulthuan after the Sundering; without
Malekith’s support or permission. Her devotion to the Crone is only matched
by her fervor for Khaine. 25
Karond Kar
Karond Kar, the Tower
of Despair, also known
as Slaver’s Gate can be
counted the bleakest of
all refuges. The citadel
stands sentinel on the
edge of the Sea of Chill,
perpetually battered by
gale-force winds, icy rain
and tidal waves the size
of mountains. The reavers
and slavers wear the
colors of the stormy sea
and often bear the icons
of the kraken, harpy, sea
dragon.
Nautical icons of Mathlann are
common due to the high population
of Corsairs.
26
Serpent and sea dragon icons in colors
of the crashing waves are common.
27
Corsair in service to Lokir Fellheart, the Krakonlord of Karond Kar.
28
Border Towers
The Witch King instigated the construction
of a chain of fortified towers along the
border with the Chaos Wastes, to aid
Ghrond in its eternal vigilance. Patrols from
the fortifications sweep the lands clear of the
Chaos warbands that come south intent on
pillaging. Those Druchii that find themselves
in these Towers often wear icons and colors
specific to their barracks.
29
Dark Riders and Dark Shards make up most of the
troops manning the Towers.
Most tower banners and
shields bear skull icons
denoting the danger of
this posting as a morbid
reminder.
30
Underworld Shades
For many years, it seemed as if the Dark Elves would be
confined to the coast of the Sea of Malice, trapped between
the bitter seas and the unforgiving mountains. This was to
change dramatically when the Dark Elves of Hag Graef mined
further into the mountains. One day the slaves broke through
a seam to find themselves in a huge subterranean chamber,
many miles across.
A dark underworld sea glittered in the lantern light, fed by
dozens of small streams from the heart of the mountains.
As the Dark Elves pushed further into the mountains, they
found a network of half-flooded caverns and tunnels that
stretched the length of the mountain chain. Many were
natural formations, while some had the disturbing look of
having been hewn by mortal hands in ages past.
Scouts, known as Shades, from the mountain clans were the
first to plumb the depths and discover channels for Malekith’s
Black Arks to pass to the Boiling Sea. Shades often wear colors
to blend into the gloom and rocks of the Underworld. Shades
also serve Dreadlords on military expeditions as important
scouts finding and sabotaging the enemy.
31
Black Arks
Malekith stations three Black Arks
in the Dire Straits, the perilous
stretch of water that leads from the
Great Ocean to the Sea of Chill,
to protect against any High Elf
incursion.
In the Boiling Sea, the Black Arks
capture monstrous creatures for
Karond Kar’s shipyards. Beyond
these duties Black Arks navigate Above and Left.
in every ocean and sea, bringing Icons from the Ark,
death, misery, and enslavement to Tower of Blessed
Dread
any the Druchii prey upon.
Left. Icons from the Claw of
Dominion
Right. Shield from the
Tower of Oblivion
32 Corsairs from the Deathsun Reaver, Ashwrack Leviathan, and Shining Oblivion
Cult of Pleasure
The Cult of Pleasure is an Elven Chaos
Cult centered around the worship of
Slaanesh, the Chaos God of pleasure
in the time before the Elven civil war
known as the Sundering. After the
Sundering, The cult was outlawed
by both the High Elves of Ulthuan
and in Naggaroth by the Witch King
who decreed that Dark Elves should
worship only the Khainite pantheon.
The cult is undergoing a revival, again
under the leadership of Morathi. It is
possible Malekith turns a blind eye to
this as he and his mother
are rumored to be in a
incestuous relationship.
33
Pastels are favored colors and icons
of Slaanesh are proudly borne into
battle on shields and banners.
Below Left. Dreadlord devoted to
Morathi’s secret Cult.
Below Right. Devoted of Slaanesh
icon bearer.
34
35
Anointed of Slaanesh
Morathi the Hag Sorceress of Ghrond and First of the Hag
Queens is the mother of Malekith and one-time consort of
Aenarion, who rescued her from a warband of Slaanesh in
the days of the first Chaos invasion before the Sundering.
She is not only the lone Witch Elf allowed to use Dark
Magic but is also one of the most powerful magic-users
in the world, rivaling perhaps even Nagash, the Lords of
Change, and Teclis of Ulthuan. She has struck daemonic
pacts with many vile and disturbing forces, and can unleash
the terrible power of Chaos upon those who displease her.
36
Hosts of Evil
Druchii society is a labyrithine maze of power-mongering,
betrayal, and at times, pure terror. Internecine warfare
is not uncommon, and in fact, encouraged by Maletkith
to forge a stronger nation... as long as his power is not
questioned or threathened. There are de facto armies that
have existed since the Sundering. Some formations are
communal, family-based, and/or traditional. Others are
cabals with specific goals or causes in mind.
Blood Voyage. Hellebron is known to sponser,
and sometimes lead, overseas expeditions. It is
darkly rumored these “voyages” are brought on
by hallucinogenic states where a person or place is
marked by Khaine for destruction and death.
Bleak Hold. The southern-most Druchii fortress.
Built to monitor and harass Asur activity around
Arnheim. Also, the fortress acts as a waystation for
warbands operating in Lustria. Lord Nargsorde has
overseen operations since the first foundation stone
was laid.
Blood Hall Coven. A secret society of Witch
Elves, Executioners, and Sorceresses that believe that
Tullaris Dreadbringer should displace Malekith from
the throne of Naggaroth. So far neither Tullaris, nor
Malekith, know they exist. They murder to acheive
this end, and more than once, have taken to the
battlefield.
Cult of Excess. Based in Hag Graef, this thinly-
veneered social group is hiding Cult of Pleasure activity
in the city. A secret war between Khainites, who
are leveraging their skills for the city’s Dreadlords’
patronage, and the Cult of Excess often erupts into
open battle. 37
Deadwood Sentinels. Nominally a vassal to
Karond Kar this army is distributed between The
Frozen City and the Dargoth, Shagrath, Nagrar Towers.
Also, it is the northern-most settlement in Naggaroth.
These near-frozen Druchii have no love for Har Ganeth
Khainites and watch their movements as much as
maruaders from the north.
Drakla Coven. The furthest-west settlement of
Druchii. The coven is made up of male sorcerors who
fled Malekith’s magic sanction. These archmages occupy
ancient spires that pre-date the Sundering, possibly
even Elvenkind. While safe enough from Malekith,
occasional Lizardman armies approach seeking artifacts
from the ancient spires. Hag Graef Dreadlords are not
above paying these deadly mages to avoid owing any
favors to Ghrond and the Dark Convent.
Dru Perim. “Black Pilgrims,” these Elves were the
original Ulthuan rebel Princes that backed Malekith
prior to the Sundering. Eschewing the cities of
Naggaroth, these Princes mainly keep to themselves
and stay out of politics. They have come to hate the
machinations of Ghrond and Har Ganeth in equal
parts. They maintain household troops; their armies
often resembling ancient Elven Hosts in formation.
They even train male mages despite the Sanction;
which they argue does not apply to their families as
their traditions pre-date its stricture. They only answer
to Malekith.
Scourge of Khaine. This formation is only seen
when Druchii are operating in Ulthuan. Primarily, made
up of Har Ganeth troops that succumb to an unusual
yearning to seek Nagarythe and the Altar of Khaine.
This often causes logistical and strategic problems for
the Druchii war effort.
38
Ss’ildra Tor. The most southerly located Druchii
settlement. Originally, constructed as a watchpost to
keep an eye on the activity of the Lizardmen to the
south. It faded in value once Lord Mazdamundi raised
the Grey Mountains as a barricade. Now to be posted
here is considered a punishment for the disgraced,
unfavored, or fatally unambitious.
Forgebound. Druchii followers of Vaul, the disciples
of Hotek. This enclave creates deadly weapons and nigh
impregnable armors for Clar Karond at the forges in
Hotek’s Column. Ocassionally, they take to the field of
battle in Naggaroth; especially if they can rain ruin on
the minions of Morathi, who they rightfully denouce as
Hotek’s murderer by poison.
The Thousand Maws. This is the expeditionary
army of Beastlord Rakarth of Karond Kar. Unlike most
of the Beastmasters of Clar Karond, Rakarth travels
the world with his monstrous army looking for the
deadilest, most destructive, beasts to tame and add to
his menagerie.
Rakarth the “Beastlord,” is the most
accomplished Dark Elf Beastmaster
in the whole of Naggaroth. He is
known as having an almost
“magical” compulsion over
any and all beasts he seeks
to command across the
Known World.
39
