Battle of Finuval Plain: Deployment and the Duel

Prologue

From the north they came. A fleet of ships led by the Black Arks of Naggaroth landed on the shores of Ulthuan, and a tide of Dark Elves and their Chaos allies swept across the land. The Witch King had returned at last to claim his prize, and the High Elves were powerless to stop him. In battle after battle, the forces of the Asur were defeated. They had been unprepared for the size and savagery of the invasion, and they stood on the brink of annihilation.

Even Avelorn, the very heart of Ulthuan, had been despoiled. Alarielle, the newly crowned Everqueen, had narrowly avoided capture thanks to the efforts of Prince Tyrion, descendant of Aenarion. Together they had fled into the forests, but Tyrion was wounded and they were finally run to ground by N'kari, a mighty Keeper of Secrets. Malekith had bound the daemon to him with the promise of the Everqueen's soul, and N'kari would not be denied by a wounded princeling. Sorely wounded though he was, Tyrion rose to fight – and was batted aside without a second thought. The devastation of her land had left Alarielle incapable of defending herself, and it seemed her fate was sealed.

It was then that Tyrion's brother Teclis finally arrived. Where Tyrion had become a warrior of renown, Teclis had been mastering his studies at the White Tower and was now a mage of incredible power. No sooner had be arrived than he banished N'kari from the mortal plane and healed his wounded brother as he lay dying. He then guided the Everqueen and her protector clear of the Druchii net that had been closing around them, and they rejoined the remaining forces of the Asur as they mustered on the Plain of Finuval.

Finuval Plain

A High Elf temple in one corner of the field. Thanks, Hamish!

From all across Ulthuan, the last armies of the High Elves had gathered together. Finuval Plain would be their final stand. The Phoenix King remained besieged in Lothern and the White Tower in Saphery still stood, but defeat here would mean the war was over.

The situation was not lost upon Malekith. On the other side of the plain, his vast forces gathered, preparing to crush this final act of defiance. Prisoners were sacrificed and daemons were summoned. N'kari himself was dragged back to the material plane with the sacrifice of 1000 screaming victims, his mind fixed upon the twin descendants of Aenarion and his revenge. Hordes of armoured Chaos Warriors honed their weapons and prepared for battle. The Witch King was ready. After 5000 years of exile, Ulthuan would finally be his.

The Armies

The Dark Host of Malekith, Witch King of Naggaroth

• Mal Malekith the Witch King
  Riding Sulekh, Emperor Black Dragon
  1160 points
• Nkar N'kari
  Exalted Keeper of Secrets, Daemon Lore of Slaanesh
  775 points
• Hell Hellebron
  Riding Cauldron of Blood
  500 points
• UP Urian Poisonblade
  The Witch King's Champion
  410 points
• BSB1 BSB 1
  On Cold One with Heavy Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Great Weapon, Banner of Nagarythe
  221 points
• BSB2 BSB 2
  On Cold One with Heavy Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Great Weapon, Dawn Stone
  142 points
• BSB3 Death Hag BSB
  Witch Brew
  140 points
• Drg1 Dreadlord on Dragon 1
  Heavy Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Shield, Lance
  464 points
• Drg2 Dreadlord on Dragon 2
  Heavy Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Shield, Lance
  464 points
• Drg3 Supreme Sorceress on Dragon
  Level 4, Lore of Metal, Black Amulet
  580 points
• Peg Supreme Sorceress on Pegasus
  Level 4, Lore of Death, Talisman of Protection
  315 points
• Keep Keeper of Secrets
  Level 4, Lore of Shadows, Ogre Blade
  530 points
• Mnt1 Beastmaster on Manticore 1
  Blind Rage, Iron-Hard Skin
  345 points
• Mnt2 Beastmaster on Manticore 2
  Blind Rage, Iron-Hard Skin
  345 points
• DPoS Daemon Prince of Slaanesh
  Chaos Armour, Flying, Scaly Skin, Sword of Might
  335 points
• Sp1 60 Dreadspears 1
  Full Command. Includes Assassin with 2 Hand Weapons, Dark Venom
  682 points
• Sp2 60 Dreadspears 2
  Full Command. Includes Assassin with 2 Hand Weapons, Dark Venom
  682 points
• Sp3 50 Dreadspears 3
  Full Command
  480 points
• Sp4 28 Dreadspears 4
  Full Command
  282 points
• Sp5 25 Dreadspears 5
  Full Command. Includes 5(!!) Assassins with 2 Hand Weapons, Dark Venom
  815 points
• XBw1 26 Darkshard Crossbowmen 1
  Full Command
  342 points
• XBw2 26 Darkshard Crossbowmen 2
  Full Command, Shields
  368 points
• XBw3 26 Darkshard Crossbowmen 3
  Full Command
  342 points
• XBw4 20 Darkshard Crossbowmen 4
  Full Command
  270 points
• XBw5 10 Darkshard Crossbowmen 5
  120 points
• WE1 80 Witch Elves 1
  Full Command, Razor Standard
  955 points
• WE2 40 Witch Elves 2
  Full Command
  470 points
• Cor1 50 Corsairs 1
  Full Command
  580 points
• Cor2 40 Corsairs 2
  Full Command
  470 points
• Cor3 38 Corsairs 3
  Full Command
  448 points
• DR1 15 Dark Riders 1
  Spears, Repeater Crossbows
  285 points
• DR2 10 Dark Riders 2
  Spears, Repeater Crossbows
  190 points
• DR3 9 Dark Riders 3
  Spears, Repeater Crossbows, Champion, Musician
  191 points
• DoS 30 Daemonettes of Slaanesh
  Full Command. Includes a Herald with Greater Locus of Swiftness
  530 points
• CWoS 30 Chaos Warriors of Slaanesh
  Full Command, Halberds, Shields
  600 points
• Ex1 40 Executioners 1
  Full Command
  510 points
• Ex2 30 Executioners 2
  Full Command
  390 points
• CoK1 11 Cold One Knights 1
  Full Command. Includes Master on Cold One with Heavy Armour, Sea Dragon Cloak, Great Weapon
  426 points
• CoK2 10 Cold One Knights 2
  Full Command
  330 points
• CoK3 10 Cold One Knights 3
  Full Command
  330 points
• CoK4 11 Cold One Knights 4
  Full Command
  360 points
• BG1 24 Black Guard 1
  Full Command. Includes Assassin with 2 Hand Weapons, Dark Venom
  502 points
• BG2 20 Black Guard 2
  Full Command. Includes Assassin with 2 Hand Weapons, Dark Venom
  442 points
• H1 10 Harpies 1
  150 points
• H2 10 Harpies 2
  150 points
• H3 10 Harpies 3
  150 points
• H4 10 Harpies 4
  150 points
• H5 10 Harpies 5
  150 points
• Char1 Cold One Chariot 1
  1 point
• Char2 Cold One Chariot 2
  1 point
• Char3 Cold One Chariot 3
  1 point
• Char4 Cold One Chariot 4
  1 point
• Sh1 10 Shades 1
  2 Hand Weapons
  180 points
• Sh2 10 Shades 2
  2 Hand Weapons
  180 points
• RBT1 3 Reaper Bolt Throwers 1
  210 points
• RBT2 5 Reaper Bolt Throwers 2
  350 points
• RBT3 3 Reaper Bolt Throwers 3
  210 points
• Hyd1 Hydra 1
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Hyd2 Hydra 2
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Hyd3 Hydra 3
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Hyd4 Hydra 4
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Hyd5 Hydra 5
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Hyd6 Hydra 6
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Hyd7 Hydra 7
  Fiery Breath
  180 points
• Chos 30 Chaos Chosen of Slaanesh
  Full Command, Great Weapons, Shields, Banner of Swiftness
  750 points
• CKoS 20 Chaos Knights of Slaanesh
  Full Command. Includes Chaos Lord of Slaanesh with Barded Steed, Chaos Armour, Daemonblade, Shield
  1204 points
• FoS 4 Fiends of Slaanesh
  260 points
• DW 5 Doomfire Warlocks
  125 points
• K Kharibdyss
  160 points
• Shag Dragon Ogre Shaggoth
  Great Weapon
  227 points
• Giant Chaos Giant of Slaanesh
  227 points
• Total: 25215 points

The Last Stand of Alarielle the Radiant, Everqueen of the Asur

• Alar Alarielle the Radiant
  The Everqueen
  350 points
• Tyr Prince Tyrion
  Champion of the Everqueen
  410 points
• Tec Teclis
  450 points
• Drag1 Prince on Star Dragon 1
  General of Caledor. Armour of Destiny, Shield, Great Weapon
  589 points
• BSB1 BSB 1
  Banner of Avelorn, Heavy Armour
  139 points
• BSB2 BSB 2
  Armour of Caledor, Great Weapon
  149 points
• BSB3 BSB 3
  Barded Steed, Dragon Armour, Shield, Dawn Stone
  147 points
• Drag2 Prince on Star Dragon 2
  Dragon Armour, Shield, Lance
  560 points
• Drag3 Prince on Star Dragon 3
  Dragon Armour, Shield, Lance
  560 points
• Drag4 Prince on Star Dragon 4
  Dragon Armour, Shield, Lance
  560 points
• Drag5 Archmage on Star Dragon
  Level 4, Lore of Metal, Talisman of Protection
  655 points
• Drag6 Archmage on Moon Dragon
  Level 4, Lore of Heavens, Talisman of Endurance
  550 points
• Drag7 Prince on Moon Dragon
  Dragon Armour, Shield, Lance
  470 points
• Drag8 Prince on Sun Dragon
  Dragon Armour, Shield, Lance
  405 points
• DM Dragon Mage
  Level 2, Dragon Armour, Enchanted Shield
  400 points
• Griff Noble on Griffon
  Dragon Armour, Shield, Great Weapon, Swift Sense, Swooping Strike
  281 points
• NobE 3 Nobles on Eagles
  Shredding Talons, Swift Sense, Dragon Armour, Shield, Lance. Operating as a single unit
  441 points
• Sp1 60 Spearmen 1
  Full Command
  570 points
• Sp2 40 Spearmen 2
  Full Command
  390 points
• Sp3 40 Spearmen 3
  Full Command
  390 points
• SG11 50 Sea Guard 1
  Full Command. Includes Noble with Dragon Armour, Great Weapon
  664 points
• SG12 40 Sea Guard 2
  Full Command (Maiden Guard)
  470 points
• A1 40 Archers 1
  Full Command
  430 points
• A2 40 Archers 2
  Full Command
  430 points
• A3 35 Archers 3
  Full Command
  380 points
• A4 30 Archers 4
  Full Command
  330 points
• A5 28 Archers 5
  Full Command
  310 points
• SH1 17 Silver Helms 1
  Full Command. Includes 2 Nobles with Barded Steed, Dragon Armour, Shield, Great Weapon
  600 points
• SH2 16 Silver Helms 2
  Full Command. Includes Noble with Barded Steed, Dragon Armour, Shield
  495 points
• SH3 12 Silver Helms 3
  Full Command
  306 points
• ER1 15 Ellyrian Reavers 1
  Spears and Bows
  285 points
• ER2 10 Ellyrian Reavers 2
  Spears and Bows
  190 points
• ER3 10 Ellyrian Reavers 3
  Spears and Bows
  190 points
• WL1 80 White Lions 1
  Full Command, Banner of Swiftness
  1085 points
• WL2 30 White Lions 2
  Full Command
  420 points
• WL3 25 White Lions 3
  Full Command
  355 points
• WL4 21 White Lions 4
  Full Command. Includes Noble with Dragon Armour, Great Weapon
  374 points
• WL5 23 White Lions 5
  Full Command. Includes Noble with Dragon Armour, Great Weapon
  400 points
• WL6 18 White Lions 6
  Full Command
  264 points
• SM1 52 Swordmasters 1
  Full Command, Lichebone Standard. Includes Loremaster and Noble with Dragon Armour, Great Weapon
  1009 points
• SM2 31 Swordmasters 2
  Full Command. Includes Noble with Dragon Armour, Great Weapon
  504 points
• SM3 21 Swordmasters 3
  Full Command. Includes Noble with Dragon Armour, Great Weapon
  374 points
• PG1 41 Phoenix Guard 1
  Full Command, Razor Standard. Includes Annointed of Asuryan
  885 points
• PG2 20 Phoenix Guard 2
  Full Command
  330 points
• PG3 20 Phoenix Guard 3
  Full Command
  330 points
• DP1 20 Dragon Princes 1
  Full Command, Rampager's Standard. Includes Noble with Barded Steed, Dragon Armour, Shield
  733 points
• DP2 15 Dragon Princes 2
  Full Command
  465 points
• DP3 10 Dragon Princes 3
  Full Command
  320 points
• SW 10 Shadow Warriors
  140 points
• LC1 2 Lion Chariots 1
  Operating as single unit
  240 points
• LC2 2 Lion Chariots 2
  Operating as single unit
  240 points
• TC1 2 Tiranoc Chariots 1
  140 points
• TC2 2 Tiranoc Chariots 2
  140 points
• TC3 2 Tiranoc Chariots 3
  140 points
• TC4 2 Tiranoc Chariots 4
  140 points
• BT1 6 Bolt Throwers 1
  420 points
• BT2 4 Bolt Throwers 2
  280 points
• BT3 Bolt Throwers 3
  70 points
• BT4 Bolt Throwers 4
  70 points
• Sis1 10 Sisters of Avelorn 1
  140 points
• Sis2 10 Sisters of Avelorn 2
  140 points
• GE1 8 Great Eagles 1
  Swift Sense, Shredding Talons
  520 points
• GE2 5 Great Eagles 2
  Swift Sense, Shredding Talons
  325 points
• Phnx Flamespyre Phoenix
  225 points
• Frost1 Frostheart Phoenix 1
  240 points
• Frost2 Frostheart Phoenix 2
  240 points
• Frost3 Frostheart Phoenix 3
  240 points
• Total: 25484 points

Deployment

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The armies face off across the plain as Mr Gentile's short shorts rise in the east, casting an eerie glow across the proceedings.

As dawn broke across the plain, it revealed both armies in position and ready for battle. Looking across the field, Alarielle surveyed the forces of Malekith and worried. All manner of horrors were waiting to be unleashed upon her army. An entire pack of Hydras hissed and snapped at their handlers as they were held in line. On the right flank, seemingly the entire Khainite sisterhood was arrayed. Crazed Witch Elves shrieked for blood and brandished their poisoned blades. The Shadow Warriors reported that Hellebron herself watched over them from her perch atop the mighty Cauldron of Blood.

The Dark Elf left flank, packed full of Witch Elves

Hellebron commands the left flank

The left flank seemed composed mainly of the Druchii's dark allies, with Chaos Warriors, Knights and daemons in number. Worse, the enormous Keeper of Secrets that had so nearly claimed her life was back at their head. Alarielle didn't know what dark pact had been required to bring the monster back so soon after it had been banished, but it couldn't have been easy.

The Dark Elf right flank, composed heavily of their Chaos allies

The daemon N'kari leads the flank, intent bent on vengeance upon the twins Tyrion and Teclis

And then there was the Witch King himself. Malekith rode an enormous black dragon – surely the largest of its kind. It was doubtful any such beast had been seen in the skies above Ulthuan for thousands of years. Alarielle wondered if this enormous specimen might not be Sulekh himself, Malekith's favoured mount and a brute of similar scale. But reports had stated that Sulekh was destroyed many centuries before. It could not possibly be the same beast. Surely.

The Dark Elf centre, commanded by the Witch King himself

Malekith's enormous mount gives him a good view of proceedings

Doubts assailed the Everqueen as she took it all in, but outwardly she remained serene. She was surrounded by her generals, and they looked to her to lead this final defence. Now was not the time to show her worry. Her own army was not without strength. The princes of Caledor had finally managed to rouse some of the dragons slumbering in the mountains, and had ridden out in force. The Loremasters of Hoeth had sent forth what little strength they retained, with a legion of Swordmasters and several Archmages to boot. Teclis himself was present, and Alarielle had already witnessed his abilities first-hand. Truly, he was a force to be reckoned with.

The High Elf right flank, composed heavily of warriors from Caledor and their dragon allies

A prince of Caledor commands the flank

The High Elf right flank, with a strong Saphery contingent, led by Teclis

Hard to see past that Phoenix isn't it, Teclis? Leading from the rear, and all that

The High Elf centre, deployed well back from the centre line. Apparently a unit of 80 White Lions was not enough to make Mr Gentile want to deploy up on the line.

That blur up the back is Alarielle. Unfortunately the Eagle in front was of more interest to the camera's focus, it seems.

Alarielle's own powers had been much restored in the days since her ordeal in the forest. The destruction of the land had eased somewhat as Malekith focused upon mustering his forces for the final blow, and it had been like a weight lifting from her spirit. Much of her time had been spent in the reassuring presence of Prince Tyrion, whom she had taken as her consort. Even now he stood at her side, gleaming in the Dragon Armour of Aenarion himself, which his father had bestowed upon him since their arrival at the muster. Upon his armoured breast was the gem she had enchanted for him – a powerful ward and a token of her affection toward him. It carried a small part of her powers within it, and if she focused she could almost hear his thoughts through the bond it gave them. But now was not the time.

The forces were arrayed, and the generals were waiting for any last orders before they withdrew to their various commands. Even as Alarielle prepared herself to address them however, a voice rang out across the plain. It was unnatural; presumably some dark sorcery of Malekith amplified it and gave it the strength to carry clearly to all assembled on the field. All eyes were drawn toward a lone, dark figure standing in the centre of the battlefield.

“I am Urian Poisonblade, and I bring death in the name of the Witch King! Is there one amongst you with the courage to meet my challenge? Who will be the first of the Asur to die today?”

There was a collective murmur amongst the High Elf lines. The name Urian was known to them; he was the Witch King's personal champion, and the most deadly warrior alive. Did any of them dare meet his challenge? Defeat would not just mean death – it would be demoralising for the army. But to decline the challenge might be worse.

Alarielle breathed a small sigh of relief when a voice rang out from amongst the assembled High Elves. An armour-clad warrior strode forth to meet Urian. It was Arhalien of Yvresse. A good choice; he was one of the mightiest warriors in the High Elf army. His armour glittered with enchantment, and his blade glowed sullenly with hidden power. Surely so great a knight as he would have as good a chance as any?

The Everqueen's hopes were dashed even as the duel commenced. With his very first blow, faster than the eye could follow and before Arhalien could bring his own blade to bear, Urian removed his head from his shoulders. He flicked the blood from his blade dismissively and turned to shout once more at the High Elves, as Arhalien's headless body crumpled to the ground behind him.

“Do you send me children? Are you such cowards that you hide behind the skirts of your lesser warriors, or was that truly the best you can offer me?”

This time the murmur in the Asur lines was more of a moan. They all knew how great a warrior Arhalien had been, and they had seen him slain without even striking a blow. There was no hope; none could best Urian in a duel.

Again a single voice rang out clearly in answer. It was Korhian Ironglaive, captain of the White Lions. Another good choice, but would he fare any better than Arhalien?

Once again Urian waited for his opponent to prepare, and then launched his assault. Perhaps forewarned by the manner of Arhalien's demise, Korhian was prepared and defended staunchly before making an attack of his own. His skill was evident, and it was a better fight than the previous one, but he was still outmatched. Soon he too lay dead at Urian's feet.

The High Elf lines began to quaver and moan. They had assembled to do battle, but all it would take was a single unstoppable warrior for their resistance to end. Urian turned once more to hurl an insult at the enemy army, but paused mid-sentence when he saw that an opponent was already on his way. His armour shone gold in the early morning sun, and it took Alarielle a moment to register that Tyrion was no longer at her side. Her heart skipped a beat as she realised that her love was heading to almost certain death at the hands of this evil killing machine.

Some of the generals around the Everqueen glanced her way, but they saw no emotion on her face. She could not show fear. This was going badly enough already...

Turn 0: The Duel

Prince Tyrion faces off with Urian Poisonblade in the centre of the field

Before the assembled armies, Prince Tyrion and Urian Poisonblade faced off. They circled each other warily for a moment, then as one, they closed to attack. It was a blur of cuts, parries and ripostes. The watching soldiers could make out little of what was going on, so quickly did the duellists spin and slash. In this very first exchange, Alarielle felt a stab of pain as a deadly blow from Urian threatened the life of her consort. Sensing the danger, the gem she had given him dragged the blade off course and straight into itself. Tyrion suffered no lasting harm, but the charm was destroyed and Alarielle felt her link to him severed.

Again and again, the warriors circled and attacked each other. Blades flashed and sparked. Before long both of them bore wounds, but neither slowed as a result; neither could afford to slow at all. A moment's hesitation would mean death. Both Tyrion and Urian were raining deadly blows upon each other, but lightning reflexes and enchanted armour kept them both in the fight where a lesser warrior would long since have fallen.

The duel continued with relentless fury, but at last it seemed that Urian might have gained the upper hand. Three times he had forced telling blows past Tyrion's defences, and the High Elf Prince was beginning to limp and slow. Sensing victory, Urian moved in for the kill and was nearly rewarded with a fatal wound as Tyrion showed that his sword arm had lost none of its venom. However, it was a temporary reprieve for the Prince and finally he staggered and appeared to slip. Urian leapt for the kill, however the protection of the armour of Aenarion was not easily avoided, and the blow failed to land true. Tyrion's reponse left many to question whether he had actually slipped at all, or if it had been a ruse. With a sudden lunge to meet his opponent, he swept his flaming blade up in a brutal double-handed blow, hacking his dread enemy in half.

Cop that, evildoer! The duel lasted for 9 rounds of combat, with Tyrion surviving on a single wound. The Heart of Avelorn saved the only Killing Blow Urian managed to land, so was destroyed. Nick passed something like 11 4+ dodges in a row for Urian, so he perhaps lived longer than he should have. Of course, now Tyrion stood alone in the centre of the field, on a single wound...

Now it was the turn of the Druchii to doubt. Their untouchable assassin had fallen, and Malekith himself hissed a curse at this unexpected turn of events. This was in stark contrast to the High Elves, who surged forward with a triumphant roar. Tyrion's steed Malhandir was at their forefront, and the wounded Prince hauled himself into his saddle as the lines began to converge on his position.

After a quick wardrobe change (his other outfit was covered in Urian's blood), Tyrion mounts up and stands alone against the Dark Elf legions

The duel was over, and the High Elves were making the opening move of the battle proper.

Click here to read about Turn 1.
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