WARDEN OF TOR YVRESSE
In this Spotlight article, we showcase one of the greatest heroes of all Elfkind. Eltharion presents a wonderful opportunity for any High Elf general, combining a close-combat killing machine with two levels of magical ability.
Eltharion the Grim – Warden of Tor Yvresse.
ltharion, Warden of Tor Yvresse, is one of the greatest generals of Ulthuan, and his legend is a famous one. It was Eltharion who stole through the streets of Naggarond, slaying all who crossed his path. It was Eltharion who cut a swathe of destruction through the Naggarothi countryside. It is Eltharion that Malekith, the Witch King of the Dark Elves, loathes and dreads above all others. Some say that Eltharion tempted fate too greatly when he returned alive from campaigning in Naggaroth, for he was the first general ever to do so. Others say that his lineage was always accursed. Whatever the truth, the dour Elf lord is doomed to a life of constant battle. Upon his return from Naggaroth, Eltharion was hurled into the forefront of the fight against Waaagh! Grom. With victory, he assumed the wardenship of Tor Yvresse and has since been at the forefront of Ulthuan's defence, enduring trials of strength and will that would consume lesser beings. Is fate preserving Eltharion for some pivotal role? Only time will tell...
HERO AT A GLANCE
Eltharion presents a wonderful opportunity for any High Elf general, namely to combine a close-combat killing machine with two levels of magical ability. As a melee monster, Eltharion is as good as any Elf Prince, allowing no armour saves and receiving +2 Strength on the turn he charges. Oh, and he also rides the Griffon, Stormwing, which a) means that Eltharion should always be charging, and b) gives him another 4 Strength 6 Attacks. By any reckoning, that's pretty good for but a single Lord choice in your army, and you can consider the two magic levels – courtesy of the Talisman of Hoeth – as being a bonus, and a very tasty bonus at that.
THE LORES OF MAGICEltharion can draw from all eight colours of magic, but which one suits him best? The answer, as usual, is: it depends on what you want to do. Mostly, you'll want to go for a lore that contains spells that Eltharion can use while he's in combat, so the Lore of Heavens is a fairly good bet. Alternatively, if you're up against a foe with a weakness for certain lores (Light against Vampire Counts, or Metal against Bretonnians), it's sometimes worth playing a little less aggressively with Eltharion and use his magic to thin enemy numbers before charging home. As with most things in Warhammer, if in doubt, go with the spell lore that suits your play style the most – you'll rarely be disappointed. |
ARMY OF CHOICE
As such a good all-rounder, Eltharion sits nicely in several High Elf armies. Will you use him to lead a Silver Helm charge, a Chariot and Eagle assault, or defend the flank of your infantry garrison? It's entirely up to you, and all are equally strong roles for this hero of heroes. Where Eltharion really frees up your army is in the field of character selection. Normally, if you've chosen a Prince to lead your force, you'll want to spend your Hero slots on at least a couple of Mages to get in that magical support. With Eltharion on board, you don't have to do that. Take one Mage to supplement Eltharion's spellcasting and use the rest of your slots on a couple of Nobles, or perhaps even a Dragon Mage. With the correct combination of kit, you'll have a character selection as versatile as any that can be found in Warhammer.
UNSTOPPABLE?
Eltharion's chief weakness is down to his race: he's an Elf and therefore has Toughness 3. Now, Stormwing and a 4+ armour save help him out a little here, but a couple of good volleys of archery will normally sort out the blighter. If you've no way of shooting him down (and don't have even a magic missile to your name), then, as with most flying doombringers, you'll have to resort to pinning Eltharion down with a large unit of cheap or (better yet) unbreakable or Stubborn troops. Granted, it's not going to be easy, but this is Eltharion, for goodness sake. He's meant to be scary!
Related Articles:
High Elves Miniatures Range | High Elf Lord & Mage Masterclass
Online Store:
High Elves | Eltharion the Grim
