| “ | Hag Graef’s greatest tyrant is also its most blighted soul, whose fate is inexorably intertwined with the Drinker of Worlds. | „ |
Malus Darkblade is a 
Dark Elves Legendary Lord unit introduced in Total War: Warhammer II with The Shadow and the Blade. In the campaign, he leads 
Hag Graef.
Description
Malus Darkblade, the Tyrant of Hag Graef, was always ambitious, even by the lofty standards of Hag Graef's warring families. For long years, he played the deadly game of politics and assassination and played it well, but finally Malus' thirst for power set him on a quest that led him deep into the Realm of Chaos. It is a testament to his determination that he not only survived his journey, but at last arrived at the temple of Kul Hadar. Alas for Darkblade, the great power within the temple was something not easily bent to mortal will. Centuries before, the Daemon Tz'arkan had been bound within Kul Hadar, and Darkblade now unwittingly allowed it to escape. Blinded by avarice, Malus was possessed by the Daemon. In that instant, his life and soul were forfeit. There is but one way to escape his fate – to find five artefacts of power to fully free Tz'arkan and restore Darkblade's soul. Failure, of course, would mean remaining in the Daemon's thrall for eternity.
Introduction description
Freshly disembarked from his Black Ark a world away from Hag Graef, Malus Darkblade prepares to assail the beasts of these jungle-strewn isles. Though still gripping onto power in the Dark Crag, his great distance from Naggarond has complicated things somewhat, and all the while his will is conflicted by a dark affliction that blights his very soul; a curse, but also a source of great power. Whether Malus wields it or shuns it, he must see Malekith's will done.
Attributes
Sword Infantry- ▲ Transformation: This unit can change its form, altering its stats and attributes in the process.
- ▲ Armoured: Armoured units can block damage from any source apart from Armour-Piercing damage.
- ▲ Armour-Piercing: The damage of armour-piercing weapons mostly ignores the armour of the target, making them the ideal choice against heavily-armoured enemies. They are often heavier and attack at a slower rate though, making them less efficient against poorly-armoured targets.
- ▲ Melee Expert: Melee Experts might have a very strong melee attack or melee defence, or high values in both. Some also have melee-focused skills like Charge Defence. Use them to counter other strong melee units. When facing them, it is best to take them out before they can enter melee.
armour-piercing weapons mostly ignores the armour of the target, making them the ideal choice against heavily-armoured enemies. They are often heavier and attack at a slower rate though, making them less efficient against poorly-armoured targets.Character Abilities
Active Abilities
Tz'arkan only
Campaign only
Passive Abilities
Tz'arkan only
Campaign only
Item Abilities
Unique Item
Mounts
Campaign starting units
Eye of the Vortex & Mortal Empires
Immortal Empires
Lord effects
- Recruitment cost: -20% for Cold One Dread Knights, Cold One Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
- Upkeep: -50% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
- Immune to Chaos undivided corruption and Chaos Wastes attrition (Lord's army)
WH2
- Recruitment cost: -20% for Cold One Dread Knights, Cold One Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
- Chance of intercepting an army using Underway, beast-paths or Worldroots: +10%
- Upkeep: -50% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
Character traits
Personal trait
Scion of the Dark Crag: Hag Graef's greatest tyrant is legendary in Naggaroth; and exceptional warrior and feared leader whose hatred can drive him to overcome any opposition.
- Recruitment cost: -20% for Cold One Dread Knights, Cold One Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
- Upkeep: -50% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
- Immune to Chaos undivided corruption and Chaos Wastes attrition (Lord's army)
Defeat trait
Malus in Underworld: Do not shed a tear, for this darkest, most murderous of Druchii may now be with the Cytherai, deep within the Mirai, where he surely belongs!
- Armour-piercing weapon damage: +30
Talent Tree
- Malus Darkblade's talent tree
- Malus Darkblade's skill tree on TWWH Characters (WH II)
- Skill Tree on TotalWarhammerPlanner
Strategy
Malus starts the game in control of the mighty city of Hag Graef, while also in command of an expedition force supported by a Black Ark on the other side of the world. In the opening stages of this campaign, the player is faced with a dilemma to either retain control of Hag Graef or give up the city in return for a hefty sum. With an offer Darkblade will find difficult to refuse, you’ll need to choose between two distinct campaign starts, juggling the machinations.
Malus is a very unique lord with the ability to transform, giving him full health and new abilities, at the cost of slowly losing health over time. Malus by himself is a proficient duelist lord. On his mount he provides a strong amount of armour piercing damage while being mobile. He is useful for riding with other cavalry units or paired with some supporting elements to protect him if he gets surrounded. Should your enemy focus him, resist popping his transformation until the last possible moment.
Once you do, Malus has a timer on his health that will expire. Many enemies will force the transformation then kite Tz'arkan until he falls and then reengage. Use Tz'arkan's abilities effectively, one of them steals health from nearby enemies and gives it to him which can help Tz'arkan last a bit longer. It is a good idea to bring one or two extra mobile units that can hunt enemies down and stop them from kiting Tz'arkan.
Campaign Guide
Chapter Objectives
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chapter Objective I | The Blood Price | Occupy, sack, or raze 4 different settlements. | Treasury: +2000 | Though his iron rule goes unquestioned in the howling halls of Hag Graef, Malus Darkblade is not yet so feared by the pitiful denizens of other lands. They will soon learn. And perhaps - violently cementing his reputation - his dread legend! - will help to quell this damnable voice in his head... |
| Chapter Objective II | Bloodstorm | Occupy, sack, or raze 8 different settlements. | Treasury: +2000 | The bodies pile up at speed. These foreign lands will not soon forget the name Malus Darkblade. Yet any lingering possibility of insurrection is unacceptable. All must kneel before the Druchii tyrant, or suffer the savage consequences. For if enough heads roll, even the Daemon shade will surely acknowledge Darkblade's superiority. |
| Bonus objective I | ||||
| Bonus objective II | ||||
| Bonus objective III | ||||
| Bonus objective IV | ||||
| Bonus objective V |
Gallery
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