HAR GANETH, CITY OF EXECUTIONERS

Ruler
The ruler of Har Ganeth is the Dark Lord Ruerl, also known as the Butcher. He is the leader of the Har Ganeth Executioners and a cruel, sadistic man.

Symbol
The symbol of Har Ganeth is a double bladed axe.

Sprawling Metropolis
Har Ganeth is an extremely large city, with a population that is almost as large as Naggarond. Of all the Dark Elf cities, Har Ganeth has the most developed economy. It almost has a complete monopoly over the slave and iron trades. The nobility of Har Ganeth is extremely wealthy as are the countless merchant princes that reside here.

The Dread Executioners
Har Ganeth is known as the City of Executioners and it is here that the most feared warriors in all of Naggaroth reside. Their official role is that of warden, to protect the Temple of Khaine from all invaders. In fact the Executioners rule the city almost completely, taking out their wrath on commoner and nobleman alike.

The Executioners have a horrible reputation, gained during a failed High Elf raid many centuries ago. The High Elves thought Har Ganeth an easy target and so invaded it. Almost none of them survived the raid. Many thousands were taken captive and slain in the worst massacre ever record in the history of any race. The streets became red rivers, as Dark Elves splashed joyfully in the blood of their hated foes. The Executioners used their cruel axes to maim, cut and behead the captives, celebrating an orgy of depravity.

The streets are still stained red to this day. No High Elf army will invade Har Ganeth ever again, their fear of that place is so strong.

The Crimson Palace, Temple of Khaine
The most noticeable feature in Har Ganeth is the great Temple of Khaine. It gets its name from the deep red stains that cover every part of the temple. It was this temple that was the sight of the bloodiest event in all of history, the massacre of Har Ganeth.

The temple is ruled by Vandess, the most powerful Hag Queen of Har Ganeth. She led the Witch Elves during the slaughter, gorging herself on the blood and flesh of hundreds of High Elves. Vandess admires Ruerl’s depravity and has supported his rule since Har Ganeth was established many years ago. They even have a son together, the great Captain of the Executioners, Tullaris.

City Layout
The centre of the city is dominated by two structures: the hideous Temple of Khaine and the palace of the Dark Lord Ruerl. Those two structures are where all of the power in Har Ganeth resides.

The docks are located in the southern portion of the city. This area of the city is bustling with trade. Slaves are penned in huge cages, waiting to be sent to the far corners of Naggaroth and their dooms. Iron and rocks from Hag Graef are stationed aboard sleek Reavers. The merchant princes of Har Ganeth grow richer every day, as slaves and iron for weapons are the cornerstone of the Dark Elf economy.

Army
The army of Har Ganeth is huge and powerful. A legion of dreaded Executioners await any chance at war, their sharp axes ready to maim and kill. Thousands of Witch Elves from the Crimson Palace are ready to kill. The Warriors of the City of Executioners are many. Almost any type of troop is available and ready for war.

CLAR KAROND, THE TOWER OF DOOM

Ruler

The three strongest Black Ark Captains rule Clar Karond jointly. The positions of Dark Lord tend to change frequently, as the Captains are slain in battle or assassinated by rivals.

Symbol
The symbols of Clar Karond are trees or a Black Ark.

Agriculture
Clar Karond is the breadbasket of Naggaroth. It is the only city with a climate warm enough to grow crops. The soil around Clar Karond is rich with minerals making it the perfect spot to harvest food. The fields are located to the east of the city, with the Sea of Malice to the north and the Black Forests to the south.

Clar Karond is also known for its excellent wines, which are renowned throughout the land. They are grown in orchards all around the Tower of Doom. There are two brands of wine: Blood Wine and Winter Wine. Blood Wine is named because of its bloody red colour. It is the lesser of the two wines, that which is drunk by the common people of Naggaroth. Winter Wine is clear, and possesses and much better flavour. It is rarer and reserved for the rich and powerful nobles.

The Black Forest is the only large forest in the area and thus very important. The Witch-King’s armies and fleets require a lot of wood so slave gangs are constantly cutting down trees and dragging them to Clar Karond.

Dark Elf slaves are responsible for doing all of the above work. They are found in the fields, forests and docks of Clar Karond doing tasks deemed to menial and back breaking for Dark Elves to do. The lives of these slave labourers are mercifully short, but in their times as slaves they get to know about Hell on earth.

Shipping
The Tower of Doom is Naggaroth’s ship building centre. All of Naggaroth’s ships are built here from the small Reaver ships to the massive stone and metal Black Arks. The building of a Black Ark is a very rare event, as rock and iron must be sent from Hag Graef in enormous quantities. Most of the time the sleek Reavers are built, as they are made of wood and much smaller. The Reavers are used mostly in inter city trade, although they are used occasionally in war to harry enemy ships and drive them towards the Black Arks.

City Layout
The Tower of Doom is surrounded by the Black Forest everywhere except to the Northeast where the Nightoak River leads to the Sea of Malice. Thus in the Northeast section of the city lies its docks and shipping industry. In the east part of the city are its markets, where food is bought and then sent to the other Dark Elf cities. In the centre of the city lies the three palaces of the Dark Lords, surrounded by the Corsairs living quarters and the small temple of Khaine. The south and west sections of the city are the living quarters of the common Dark Elves. The multitudes of slaves are mostly kept in the streets, left to freeze in the bitter cold of the north.

Army
Clar Karond’s army is not a standard Dark Elf army, relying on its multitudes of Black Ark Corsairs and slaves in combat over regular Dark Elf Warriors. The Tower of Doom possesses almost no cavalry, instead using infantry as its main troops. With the nearby forest Clar Karond can field a lot of war machines and missile troops.

GHROND, THE NORTH TOWER

Ruler
The ruler of Ghrond is the Dark Lady Hellebron, also known as the Crone Hellebron, an ancient and decrepit Hag Queen. Second only to Morathi in age and power, Hellebron guards the north of Naggaroth and rules her Witch Elves in the lonely tower in the north.

Symbol
The symbols of Ghrond are a bloody heart or a horned skull.

Garrison
Ghrond is not a full sized city, it is a large garrison overlooking the Realm of Chaos. Ghrond can be thought of as a super watchtower. Almost all of the Dark Elves present here are professional soldiers, ready to defend their realm from Chaos warbands or march to war elsewhere. Ghrond has many warriors present, including a large amount of City Guard and Hellebron’s personal Witch Elf regiments.

Witch Elves
Hellebron has surrounded herself with many young Witch Elves who support her, trusting only those she has raised personally. Although the Witch Elves rarely war with each other, the enmity between Hellebron and Morathi is great, dislike made greater over many long centuries.

Along with Naggarond and Har Ganeth, Ghrond is one of the major Dark Elf religious centres. Here many Witch Elves come to train and learn about the glory of the Bloody Handed God. The temple of Khaine in Ghrond occupies the lowest section of the great tower of Ghrond. From above the rest of the Dark Elves can hear the depraved cries of the Witch Elves and the tormented cries of their victims.

Sorcerers
Occupying the top of the tower are many great Dark Elf sorcerers. Their job is to watch the Realm of Chaos for changes in the winds of magic, waiting for portents of victory or defeat for the Dark Elf race. The sorcerer’s reports are sent to the Witch-King in Naggarond where he plots and schemes the downfall of Ulthuan. Next to the Tower of Cold, Ghrond houses the most number of sorcerers among the Dark Elf cities. Here they practice their foul magic’s, using slaves as sacrifices to power their spells and binding demons to gain knowledge of rare and powerful incantations.

City Layout
The North Tower is protected from the east and west by tall mountains so armies attacking from the Realm of Chaos must attack by the north gate, and the defences there are impressive. The walls are protected by crack regiments of City Guard, highly trained and superbly armoured.

Unlike other Dark Elf cities Ghrond consists of a single large tower surrounded by high walls. As a garrison city the North Tower was designed for defence, with high walls and a tower that is a fortress in its own right. The tower has three main areas: one for Hellebron and her Witch Elves, one for the garrison, and one for the sorcerers studying here.

Army
Since Ghrond defends the northern border of Naggaroth from the forces of Chaos its army is much larger than a population of its size is normally able to sustain. The main force consists of City Guard and Witch Elves, with Dark Elf Warriors and Scouts ready to support them with their massed missile fire. The many Dark Elf sorcerers studying here are also able to defend against any Chaos horde.

HAG GRAEF, THE DARK CRAG

Ruler
The ruler of Hag Graef is the famous Dark Lord Caldor Maglen. The Dark Lord thrives on danger and constantly leaves the safety of his city to explore the dark depths of the Underworld. He is the ultimate Scout, able to find his way easily through the labyrinth of caves and tunnels.

Symbol
The symbol of Hag Graef is a tall mountain, for the city lies under the shadow of the Iron Mountains.

Mines and Quarries
Hag Graef is located near the largest deposit of rock and ore in all of Naggaroth. The mountains are mineral rich and provide the city with its main source of income. Thousands of slaves can be found here, punished with backbreaking labour and eventual death. They toil for hours every day until they pass out in exhaustion.

Iron from the mountains is mined and then sent all over Naggaroth. Dark Elves from all cities arm themselves with weapons forged from the ores taken out of the Dark Crag. The metals of Naggaroth are darker than elsewhere and shine with a black sheen that matches the darkness in the hearts of Dark Elves.

Stone is also gathered here as well. Rock is plentiful in Naggaroth so the Dark Elves have found many uses for it. The Witch-King uses it to build his fortresses and Black Arks. The fortresses provide the Dark Elves with protection against the dangerous wilderness and the Black Arks carry troops and are the backbone of the Dark Elf navy.

The Underworld
The Underworld is a mysterious and dangerous place. It stretches for leagues in all directions, larger than even the great tunnels of the Dwarves and Skaven. Dark Elf Scouts have spent hundreds of years exploring it and have discovered not a tenth of its secrets.

Underneath Naggaroth is a great cavern, where a great body of water aptly named the Underground Sea is located. The clever Dark Elves use this sea to send their Reavers and Black Arks to the Broken Lands on the other side of the mountains. Ever since this discovery the Dark Elves can send their fleets east from Karond Kar or west from the Underground Sea.

The Underworld has also brought the discovery of Cold Ones, which play an extremely important role in the armies of the Dark Elves. The Cold Ones are sent to all of the Dark Elf cities and ridden into battle by Dark Elf nobles. Dark Elf Scouts explore the caverns, catching whatever Cold Ones they can find. They have become quite adept at catching them over the years, firing poisoned darts from their repeater crossbows which put the great beasts to sleep.

City Layout
Hag Graef is surrounded by mountains, which cast a shadow over the city. The darkness caused by the mountains have earned the city its nickname, the Dark Crag.

The western section of the city leads to the mines and quarries and many slaves are housed here. The nobles are scattered throughout the middle and north of the city, generally shunning the contact of other Dark Elves. The eastern and southern parts of the city house all the merchants and common born Dark Elves. From here the stone and iron that is mined is sent to be sold throughout the country.

Army
Hag Graef’s army is slightly smaller than other Dark Elf cities and tends to be somewhat specialised. It contains a high percentage of heavy cavalry, as Cold Ones are plentiful in the city. Dark Elf Scouts are found in Hag Graef in higher numbers, constantly expanding their knowledge of the Underworld. Slaves play a major role in the army of Hag Graef, balancing the cities smaller population.

KAROND KAR, THE TOWER OF DESPAIR

Ruler
The relatively young Beastlord Rakarth rules Karond Kar. He is prototypical of the Elves of Karond Kar, outspoken and boisterous, which is much different from the average Dark Elf. As the Tower of Despair is the home of most of the beastmasters of Naggaroth it is only fitting that they by led by the best of their kind.

Symbol
The symbols of Karond Kar are beasts: dragons, snakes or spiders.

Great Port City
Karond Kar is located just north of the strategically important Dire Straits and as such has the mightiest Dark Elf fleet to protect the entrance into the Seas of Chill and Malice. Karond Kar is the gateway into the rest of Naggaroth and must defend the passageway into the Land of Chill. The Tower of Despair is the staging point for every invasion or raid to Ulthuan in the south and the Old World to the east. Great Black Arks patrol its harbours, surrounded by the sleek Dark Elf Reavers. When the armies of the Dark Elves prepare for war, they amass near Karond Kar until they can be sent to the shores of their foes.

In the Navy
The bulk of the Dark Elf navy is stationed at Karond Kar. While Clar Karond is responsible for building ships and Black Arks, Karond Kar is responsible for the rest of the naval duties. Ship crews are trained here. Patrols and raids are launched from the docks of the Tower of Despair. The naval command is stationed here, carrying out the will of the Witch-King in Naggarond.

The Beastmasters
Beastmasters play a major part in Dark Elf society and Karond Kar’s army. The Dark Elves have a small population and thus require the use of slaves and monsters to strengthen their armies. Beastmasters are generally considered too important to take to battle but the monsters they raise are often unleashed upon opposing armies.

The hordes of monsters that are used in combat are captured and trained for battle by beastmasters. The most commonly used monster is the terrifying War Hydra, which can literally annihilate entire regiments of enemy soldiers. Giant spiders and scorpions are also used frequently as they are more common and easier to raise. Smaller versions of the scorpions and spiders can be found amongst some armies as well. When not used by the fleets Helldrakes are available as well, ridden into battle by slim, lightly armoured Dark Elves.

City Layout
The city of Karond Kar is protected from the forces of the Realm of Chaos by mountains, forests and the Sea of Chill. It is located on a peninsula just north of the twisting Dire Straits and serves as a great line of defence against naval invasion. To the north-east of the city can be found the abode of the local tribe of Harpies, which can be herded into war in times of need.

The western and southern portions of the city are dominated by the docks, where slaves are brought back from raids and raiding forces are stationed before travelling south. The eastern sections of the city are devoted to the beastmasters and many stables containing monsters can be found here.

Army
Karond Kar’s army is organised much differently than the other Dark Elf cities. Because much of its population is aboard the fleet or off on a raiding mission, Karond Kar armies are composed of different troop types. Black Ark Corsairs are often found in the city, as the warrior crews cycle duties aboard the great Black Arks and in the city. The city is full of slaves, which are used often as they are among the few expendable troops in the army. Monstrous troops such as Harpies and Helldrake Riders are found here, but are a rarity elsewhere in Naggaroth. Many bolt throwers are kept here, where they are placed on the Black Arks to destroy enemies from afar. Traditional soldiers such as Cold One Knights and Witch Elves play a much smaller role in the army of Karond Kar.

NAGGAROND, THE TOWER OF COLD

Ruler
The ruler of Naggarond is Malekith, the Witch King. Although technically the Dark Lord of Naggarond, Malekith prefers to be called the Witch King and those who enjoy life tend to follow his every order. The Witch King looks over his realm from the height of his tower and yearns for the destruction of the High Elves.

Symbol
The symbol of Naggarond is a single tall tower, representing the abode of the Witch King.

The Home of the Witch King
Naggarond is the home of the Witch King and many other important Dark Elves. Morathi, Malekith’s ancient and beautiful mother resides near her son, revelling in his power and evil. Nighthawk, the Witch King’s personal assassin, roams the city committing whatever foul deeds his master desires. Kouran, Captain of the Black Guard and loyal guardian of Malekith, leads his elite Black Guard in the defence of Naggarond.

Besides being home to the above Dark Elves Naggarond plays an important role in the economy of Naggaroth. Because of its sheer size the Tower of Cold requires many slaves as workers and servants. To equip a population as large as Naggarond, a lot of steel and wood is needed. To feed this population requires a large amount of food. Kar Karond, Hag Graef and Clar Karond act as suppliers to Naggarond and the other Dark Elf cities and in turn are made more powerful. The large inter city trade requires unity and co-operation, which has helped to avert armed conflict many times in the past. As well as economic importance Naggarond has a lot of religious importance as well.

Centre of Dark Elf Religion
As the most powerful city in Naggaroth and the home of Morathi, the most ancient and revered Hag Queen, Naggarond is the centre for the worship of Khaine. Although Hellebron rules the Witch Elves in all but name, she still must travel to Naggarond regularly to attend her duties. The great Temple of Khaine in Naggarond is the most resplendent in the land and there are many lesser temples scattered throughout the city.

Naggarond is home to many lesser Hag Queens, followers of either Hellebron or Morathi. Morathi and Hellebron have nurtured an ages old hatred of each other, though neither is willing to risk their lives in direct conflict against each other. Luckily the hostile atmosphere that their feud breeds is only found in Naggarond and Ghrond, the Hag Queens in the other Dark Elf cities tend to stay neutral.

The many temples are home to scores of Witch Elves, the elite fighters among the female Elves. It is considered an honour to be chosen to take the initiation tests and join the revered Brides of Khaine. The Witch Elves spend their time training for battle or performing the many sacrifices that feed the eternal blood hunger of their fell master.

Located underneath the temples are the training facilities of the assassins. The most skilled warriors in Naggaroth are rightfully feared and are left alone by the general populace. Little is known about the training facilities and the assassins like to keep it that way. The assassins give their services to Dark Elf nobles, sorcerers and the Hag Queens. Whoever can afford their services are awarded with deadly and loyal killing machines.

City Layout
Naggarond is surrounded by cold wastelands, except to the west where the Iron Mountains are located. Naggaroth is located in the north part of Naggaroth.

The city is huge, larger than anything the Humans of the east or their High Elf kin could imagine. Naggarond is a cold, unforgiving land where the population must live in large numbers or be destroyed by the many evils in the area.

Malekith’s tower, the largest in the city, is located in the middle of Naggarond. It is surrounded by the homes of his most loyal nobles and merchants, who seek favour and protection from enemies under the shadow of his tower. Morathi’s tower, and the great Temple of Khaine are located in the north section of the city, along with many of the other nobles estates.

Army
The Tower of Cold has the mightiest and greatest army in Naggaroth. Naggarond is the largest Dark Elf city, able to draw on the large population for its army. It has the largest pool of Dark Elf Warriors to draw upon, giving it a large infantry backbone that some of the other Dark Elf cities are lacking. Because of its economic strength Naggarond can afford to keep a large contingent of City Guard, almost as many as some of the lesser cities combined. There are many young nobles who are trained as Cold One Knights, champions among the Dark Elf race. The largest Temple of Khaine in Naggaroth also provides many bloodthirsty Witch Elves and ambitious Hag Queens to lead them. The Cauldron of Blood, Khaine’s ancient gift to his brides, is often stored here as well.
 

WATCH TOWERS

Scattered throughout the north of Naggaroth there are many fortified Watch Towers. They overlook the Chaos Wasteland and provide a first line of defence against the incursions of Chaos Warbands. Since their creation the Watch Towers have proved invaluable, the Chaos Warbands that cannot be destroyed by the Watch Towers garrisons are slowed down and harried until a larger Dark Elf force from one of the cities can be sent to deal with them.

The Threat of Chaos

Chaos Warbands have sometimes joined with Dark Elves in the past although the two sides have fought many bloody battles against each other. The forces of Chaos want the Elves of Ulthuan destroyed as much as their bloodthirsty kin so uneasy alliances have been created over time. The two allies have fought each other over many times though. Both the forces of Chaos and the Dark Elves are cruel, treacherous and pure evil so it is not surprising that they have tried to annihilate each other. Both sides view each other as pawns in their master plans: the Dark Elves as effective troops in the reclamation of their homeland and Chaos as extra manpower until they are powerful enough to destroy them.

The power of Chaos is constantly growing. The Witch-King knows that soon the forces of the Dark Gods will be powerful enough to try to conquer the earth as they have tried in past times. Malekith regards Chaos as a great threat, requiring constant monitoring against treachery. He knows that soon the two sides will turn against each other, one will be utterly destroyed while the other will eventually gain dominion over the entire world.

Watch Tower Layout

Garrison