Shade
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The Shades, who call themselves Autarri [1a], are the feral Dark Elves, inhabitants of the unforgiving depths of the Land of Chill. To survive, the Autarri have become almost supernatural scouts, able to silently stalk the densest forest or most treacherous canyons in the search of their prey. Their marksmanship is also superior to that of a trained Druchii crossbowman, while they can easily match the hated Shadow Warriors in the use of the blade. Foolish is the Dreadlord who doesn't include them in his army if he gets the chance; for while the Shades are happy to exchange wild beasts for the enemy soldiers, there simply aren't enough of them to satisfy the demand.[2]
Their origins are unclear; according to some legends 2000 Dark Elves simply refused to establish themselves in the new cities of the newly-established kingdom of Naggaroth[1b].
Another source claims that the Shades are the descendants of a ruling family of Clar Karond who, after being overthrown, went into self-imposed exile [3]. This story creates some concern among Clar Karond's current ruling family who fear that the Shades may reclaim the city for themselves.
They are currently organised into several rival clans, and the majority live in the Blackspine Mountains.
They possess a deep hatred towards the High Elves, and Shade warbands launch occasional raids against Arnheim. Several clans have recently emigrated to the Shadowlands, determined to reclaim their ancestral homeland.
Sources
- 1: The Chronicles of Malus Darkblade
- 2: Games Workshop Official Site
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (7th Edition), pg. 48