Dark Elves

Cruel, slave-trading elves living on the desolate icy continent of Naggaroth.

The Dark Elves are one of three distinct kindreds resulting from a bitter civil war that tore the once-thriving Elven civilization apart many thousands of years ago. Known for being cruel, twisted, and slave-trading, they were separated from their proud High Elf kin who continued ancient traditions, and their rustic Wood Elf cousins. These Dark Elves inhabit the desolate icy wilderness of the continent Naggaroth, which corresponds to North America in the real world.

Quick Facts

Homeland: Naggaroth
Origin: A bitter civil war thousands of years ago

Lore & Background

The Dark Elves emerged following a bitter civil war thousands of years ago that shattered the Elven race into three distinct kindreds. While High Elves inhabit the magical island of Ulthuan and Wood Elves live in the forests of Athel Loren, the Dark Elves were cast out to Naggaroth. This continent is described as a desolate icy wilderness where they established their civilization. The source explicitly notes that this faction includes those who are cruel, twisted, and slave-trading. Unlike the High Elves who maintain ancient traditions, the Dark Elves represent the fractured side of the race that embraced these darker traits following the sundering.

Reader's Guide

For those studying the Warhammer Fantasy races, the Dark Elves are identified specifically by their location on the continent of Naggaroth. This region is characterized as a desolate icy wilderness corresponding to North America in real-world geography. The faction is defined by three key traits: they are cruel, twisted, and slave-trading. They stand in contrast to the High Elves who inhabit Ulthuan (analogous to Atlantis) and the Wood Elves of Athel Loren. Their origin lies in a civil war that occurred many thousands of years ago, which permanently split the Elven race.