WHO ARE THE DARK ELVES?
For an expert player, there are few armies as rewarding to play as the Dark Elves. They constitute an army of hidden strengths and subtle power. Although a Chaos or Orc army will usually send all of its troops forward in a brutal, mindless attack, and a cowardly Wood Elf army will generally hang back and shoot at its opponents, Dark Elves are a more versatile force that excels in all aspects of warfare.
The Dark Elf army has many specialised troops as well as many elite regiments. They are fast moving and have good morale - all the hallmarks of a classic elite force. Like most Elf armies, the Dark Elves are both fragile and expensive in terms of their point cost. Thus, they will not win wars of attrition and must be played with subtlety and precision in order to win the day.
In spite of these limitations, the Dark Elf army is a flexible one. Spearmen and Crossbowmen backed by the dreaded Repeater Bolt Throwers can be made into a fearsome defensive force, but many Dark Elf players prefer to use the Druchii, as they call themselves, more aggressively. A well-led Dark Host on the offensive is a frightening thing. Frenzied Witch Elves are more than a match for any enemy infantry, while the charge of the Cold One Knights can shatter even the most determined enemy lines. Thus, the typical Dark Elf army is fast, well equipped, and extremely skilful in both mêlée and shooting.
In addition to the troop types mentioned above, Dark Elf players may choose
from Highborns, Nobles, Sorceresses,
and Beastmasters to lead their
armies. Deadly Assassins, War
Hydras, Manticores, Dark
Pegasi, Black Dragons, Corsairs, Cold
One Chariots,
halberd-wielding Black Guard,
and Executioners with great
weapons are devastating hand-to-hand 
combat troops. The
skirmishing Shades, flying Harpies,
and fast cavalry in the form of Dark
Riders increase the army’s
tactical options. Finally, the Cauldron
of Blood, an ancient artefact of long-gone
days when the gods walked the earth, can restore the youth and vitality of
the Brides of Khaine who bathe in it and all Dark Elf troops proximate to the
cauldron are affected by Frenzy.
All of these troops, when working in concert under a cunning general, make the Dark Host a dangerous and devastating foe for any army to face and a pleasure for any general to command.
Related Links:
Getting Started with Dark Elves | Dark Elf Miniatures
