Naggarond - advice, tips and hints | Factions Total War: Warhammer II Guide
Last update: 22 November 2017
This chapter provides hints for playing as Naggarond commanded by Malekith.
The starting situation
Malekith starts the game with one city - Naggarond. This is one of unique capital cities, with 9 building slots. Your starting enemy is a faction of Skavs - Septik Clan. They occupy three settlements - Har Kaldra, Kaelra and Altar of Ultimate Darkness (these settlements will be visible to you as ruins). Near your forces, there also is an army of this clan, 13 units strong. The remaining factions around are mainly Dark Elves whose relations with you are rather cold. Additionally,, to the North, by the very edge of the map, there is a settlement of warriors of Norsca.
Initial turns
Start the game by erecting the main building in Naggarond, then issue an order to Malekith's army to attack Skavens. Although they outnumber you, toy should be able to crush them in battle. After you have completely shattered the enemy army (most probably, you will have to fight two battles), attack Har Kaldra and seize it. If you have lost any units in the battle, enlist some new ones. When it comes to diplomacy, you can try to strike a deal with factions of Dark Elves to the South and to the West of your territories. There is no point in entering relations with Ghrond, Har Ganeth and Deadwood Guards - they will be your first target after you have defeated Skavens.
Then, set out against Skavens and attack Kaelra - it would be good if your army, at the moment of the attack, comprised 11 units (4 spearmen units and 4 crossbowmen units). After you have seized the settlement, you can destroy the Naggarond Conscription Hall - the same building is in the settlement that you have just taken. Also, remember to issue orders that will increase social order in the province.
Also, straight away, attack the city of Skavens - Altar of Ultimate Darkness. Before you attack it, you can recruit additional two units of spearmen. In Naggarond, start building Torture Posts (this will increase social order), Slave Pens and Sawyer (you will receive a trade material - marble).
After you have seized that settlement, you will quickly have to conquer the remaining two in the same province - they are destroyed and can be easily taken by other factions. Discontent in the province will be very high and most probably, you will have to suppress at least one rebellion. Remember to erect quickly the building that increases social order and to issue the order to stabilize it (once the province is united). Note, if you are a beginner player, you can ignore seizing this province. It is located in the climate unfavorable to Dark Elves, so development and maintaining of social order will be hampered. Instead, you can destroy the last Skaven settlement and focus on development of your main start province.
At the same time, remember to develop your start province. In minor settlements, apart from the already-erected barracks, erect a building that provides materials (fur) as well as ones that increase rate of development and income.
After you have developed settlements, march out with your armies eastwards - towards Ghrond - seizing it is a key in the campaign (it is a ritual resource location). If the settlement is currently in the hands of Har Ganeth faction, break the non-aggression pact with them beforehand and the pact of military access.
After you have seized the settlement, build Temples of Hekarti there- this will provide you with additional points to perform the Ritual.
Note, be prepared that in the meantime, any Dark Elves faction, as well as warriors of Norsca may declare war on you (this especially holds true for the very difficult level) - if you destroy their armies, after they encroach on your territory they should agree on truce.
Next turns
In the following turns, continue your expansion to the East and seize The Road of Skulls and Deadwood provinces. After that, spend some time on the development of your economy and on securing your borders. Settlements such as City of Cold and Shagrath (as well as the remaining ones by the Northern border) will be exposed to the attacks of Warriors of Norsca. Conquest on their lands, in the initial phases of the game, is unprofitable, so all you are left with is defense.
Afterwards, head south and subdue the rest of the Dark Elven factions - it is best if you enter a confederacy with Cult of Pleasure, thanks to which you will gain access to Morathi, who is the other Legendary Lord of Dark Elves.
Once you have conquered the entire territory, you can march against High Elves occupying Ulthuan to the East. During the attack on the isle, it is a good idea to use Black Arks - these floating cities will let you recruit units there, still before you seize any of the High Elven cities. Additionally, while you are fighting on the mainland, they will lend you support with their various abilities that you can use during the battle. To enlist a Black Ark, you will have to perform an appropriate Ritual.