Kouran
Kouran Darkhand is the Captain of the Black Guard of Naggaroth. [1a][2a]
He is known as a efficient and ruthless leader who once sacrificed half of his army to draw the enemy into a trap achieving a great victory. Consequently he is both respected and feared by those under his command. [1a] He has defeated every enemy army he has faced. [2b]
Kouran is a member of the Black Council. [4b]
History
Kouran has fought for the Witch King for almost a thousand years, in his first decade he became Master of the Tower of Grief, killing the previous Master by choking him to death with his own hair - he would retain the skull as a trophy. In the following centuries he would fight the enemies of Malekith in Bretonnia, Ind and The Empire and on his return, threw the Captain of the Black Guard to his death off the east wall of Naggarond, impressing the Witch King and taking the dead elfs place. Four centuries have seen him slay 17 challengers to his position as captain. [3a]
In the Battle of the Bloody Dawn, he led the Guard against the Tor Anroc, the capital of Tiranoc, their way prepared by many Shades killing patrols and sentries allowing his force to enter without being noticed - at first. They then slaughtered and despoiled their way through the palace, the birthplace of Bel Shanaar leaving the corpses of their foes in the shape of a rune of Khaine. [3a]
Following the defeat of the Witch King and his army at the Battle of Finuval Plain, he led the survivors back to Naggaroth, defeating three armies that brought him to battle but leaving any behind that could not keep up the pace. Finally he returned to Naggarond to find that the throne of his lord had been usurped and Morathi imprisoned, unpreturbed he declared the Black Tower off limits and went to the throne room. A month later he locked himself in with the rival Dreadlords who were claming the throne, stating that only one would leave - a hour later and he was the only survivor to leave. He would then free Morathi and for the next six months they would carry out a bloody purge of the city. [4a]
End Times
When Naggarond was besieged by Valkia at the beginning of the End Times he managed to hold out for three months, even duelling Valkia herself twice and surviving until Malekith arrived with his army. [6a]
Personality
He is totally loyal to the Witch King, an extremely rare trait in a Dark Elf and often considered a weakness, and that he has survived a thousand years is a tribute to his martial skill and his ruthlessness. He considers everything a potential weapon, not caring how an enemy dies, only that they do. [4c]
Weapons and Equipment
- 4th Edition: Armour of Meteroic Iron, a Sword and the Blade of Ensorcelled Iron. [1a]
- 7th Edition: Armour of Grief and the Crimson Death. [3a]
- 8th Edition: Armour of Grief and the Crimson Death. [4c][4d]
- Armour of Grief: First worn by Arnaethrorn it can overcome the enemies of the wearer by causing them crippling pain. [3a]
- Armour of Meteroic Iron: Lightweight and enhanced by magical runes. [1a]
- Blade of Ensorcelled Iron: Its ancient runes guide its bearer in battle. [1a]
- Crimson Death: A halberd carried by the first captain of the Black Guard, Khalak of Ghrond. [4c]
Gallery
Kouran
Notes
Whist defending the Phoenix Gate from the forces of Malekith, Tyrion fought a duel against and killed the Captain of the Black Guard also named Kouran. [5a]
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (4th Edition)
- 1a: Dark Elf Army List, pg. 60
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (6th Edition)
- 3: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (7th Edition)
- 3a: Dark Elf Bestiary, pg. 70
- 4: Warhammer Armies: Dark Elves (8th Edition)
- 5: Warhammer Armies: High Elves (6th Edition)
- 5a: Against the Dark Host, pg. 58
- 6: Warhammer: Nagash
- 6a: Book 1, The Beginning of the End, pg. 16
