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.


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