Dreadlord
Dreadlords are sycophantic schemers to masterful strategists, noble-born rulers of Naggaroth who have waged war across a hundred battlefields. Each pursues their own unique enthusiasms and ambitions and each is without exception a selfish, deadily individual possessed of an arrogance matched only by their martial prowess which has been honed over centuries of unceasing war. [1b]
In battle, they seldom lead through personal example, preferring bloodshed and intimidation as in Naggaroth, respect counts for nothing unless it is backed by fear. The lower born of Dark Elf society consider it better to die at the hands of an enemy than to face the wrath of a disappointed Dark Elf lord. Often enemy will at least grant them a swift death and at worst have little prospect of making your family pay a blood price any percieved failure of their kin. [1b]
Many Dreadlords owe their positions of power to blood heritage, daring exploits or even the Witch King's mercurial favours. A few are granted temporary power by means of a writ of iron -- an edict granted by one of the six lords of the great cities of Naggaroth. Any who bears a writ of iron shares the sponsor's authority -- a powerful but double edged blade for the ambitious for should they fail in his appointed task, or show cowardice whilst acting in his sponsor's name, the writ will be melted down and the molten remains poured down their throat! [1b]
Black Council
Comprising exactly one hundred lords and ladies, the inner circle of the Witch-King's most favoured includes many Dreadlords who each have a seat at the obsidian table - a dangerous but much sought after honour. After meetings with their master, it is not uncommon for a need to replenish the ranks! [1c]
Notable
- Draxor Bloodscar of Kassna Kor who disguised his warriors as ambushed High Elves and took both humans and beastmen as slaves. [1a]
- Drane Blackblood: Famed for her beauty, she directs the raids on the westward nations. [1c]
- Venil Chillblade is the latest lord to bear that name whose ancestors have long held a seat on the Black Council. [1c]
- Takon Draak, Last Dreadlord of Har Kaldra he was slain by assassins dispatched by Malekith. [1a]
- Ezresor: Member of the Black Council and thought to be the master of the Witch Kings spy network. [1c]
- Ebnir Soulflayer: Heavily scared, he is one of the commanders of the great armies of Naggaroth. [1c]
Ranks
A lower ranking Dark Elf noble is known as a Master. [1b]
Weapons and Equipment
- 6th Edition: High Born: Hand Weapon. May have Additional Hand Weapon, Great Weapon, Halberd, Lance, Light Armour, Heavy Armour, Repeater Crossbow, Sea Dragon Cloak, Shield. May ride a Black Dragon, Cold One, Cold One Chariot, Dark Pegasus, Dark Steed or a Manticore. May take Magic Items. [2a]
- 7th Edition: Hand Weapon. May have one of: Additional Hand Weapon, Great Weapon, Halberd, Lance. May have one of: Pair of Repeater Handbows, Repeater Crossbow, Repeater Handbow. May ride a Black Dragon, Cold One, Cold One Chariot, Dark Pegasus, Dark Steed or a Manticore. May take Magic Items. [3a]
Gallery
Miniatures
Dreadlord on Black Dragon.
Dreadlord on Cold One
Dreadlord standard bearer on Dark Steed
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (8th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (6th Edition)
- 2a: Armies of Naggaroth, pg. 26
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (6th Edition)
- 3a: The Host of Naggaroth, pg. 91