Malus Darkblade skill tree & build planner
Dark ElvesLegendary lordUnit stats
Dark Elves52 skills, up to rank 50. Tap a skill for a point; long-press, right-click or − takes it back. The mount, items and stat card are under the tree.
Rank 1 / 50Tap a skill below to take a point
Character
- SpiteUnlocks at rank 7Mount: SpiteLarger than most others of its kind, the ferocious Cold One named 'Spite' is truly a creature fit for a heartless murderer like Malus Darkblade.
- SadisticUnlocks at rank 4Armour-piercing weapon damage: +12Charge bonus: +5Melee attack: +3There is great pleasure to be derived from the humiliation and suffering of others; this one has felt and revelled in it.
- Eternal HatredUnlocks at rank 6Weapon strength: +10% when fighting against High ElvesWeapon strength: +6%The strength of this warrior's attack never wavers for an instance, such is the opprobrium felt for their hated High Elf cousins.
- Beast TamerUnlocks at rank 13Charge bonus: +10 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Charge bonus: +10 for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)The honing of a Druchii's affinity with animals assures that the bestial ranks heed his imperious command with obedience.
- Ward of KhaineUnlocks at rank 8Missile resistance: 10%The Bloody-handed God watches over his disciples.
- Ward of HekartiUnlocks at rank 8Spell resistance: 10%Magic's dark mistress has a care for her dutiful acolytes.
- Army of RenownUnlocks at rank 10 · 3 levelsLevel 1 · free at rank 10Regiments of Renown army capacity: +2 (own army)Level 2 · free at rank 20Regiments of Renown army capacity: +4 (own army)Level 3 · free at rank 30Regiments of Renown army capacity: +6 (own army)If their renown does them justice, they will be fit to serve one whose fame they will never outstrip.
- MentorUnlocks at rank 30 · 3 levelsLevel 1Character experience gain: +20% (Heroes in Lord's army)Character will share +15% of experience earned between all other active LordsLevel 2 · rank 40Character experience gain: +35% (Heroes in Lord's army)Character will share +30% of experience earned between all other active LordsLevel 3 · rank 50Character experience gain: +50% (Heroes in Lord's army)Character will share +50% of experience earned between all other active LordsHaving learned much in their long years of service, this character now turns their attention to training others.
Mount: Spite
Armour-piercing weapon damage: +12
Charge bonus: +5
Melee attack: +3
Weapon strength: +10% when fighting against High Elves
Charge bonus: +10 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
Missile resistance: 10%
Spell resistance: 10%
Regiments of Renown army capacity: +2 (own army)
Character experience gain: +20% (Heroes in Lord's army)- The WakingUnlocks at rank 8Cooldown: -20% to "The Blood Price"Cooldown: -20% to "The Daemon's Curse"Each sip of the elixir is a harsh reminder of what he has become.
- Pain ToleranceMelee defence: +10 (Until transformed into Tz'arkan)Missile resistance: 10% (Until transformed into Tz'arkan)Requires: The WakingMalus does not bleed, nor feel pain. Such expressions of the flesh have long since fallen away.
- Lying in WaitAttribute: Stalk (Until transformed into Tz'arkan)Ambush success chance: +15% (Lord's army)Chance of intercepting an army using Tunnelling, beast-paths or Worldroots: +20%Requires: The WakingEvery moment of silence is but a slaughter yet begun.
- The SlumberUnlocks at rank 8Cooldown: -20% to "Bloodstorm"Cooldown: -20% to "Reaper of Souls"“If nothing else, Malus Darkblade, you can be counted on to react to adversity with as much violence as is physically possible."
- Avatar of TerrorAttribute: Causes Terror (While transformed into Tz'arkan)Enemy leadership: -7 (enemy armies in local province)Requires: The SlumberHe is unnatural; an aberrant of the darkest kind. To lay eyes upon him in battle stirs a primal fear in the hearts of men and Elves alike.
- Supernatural TissueWard save: +10% (While transformed into Tz'arkan)Casualty replenishment rate: +30% for this Lord (Lord's army)Requires: The SlumberWounds of the body can be unmade, for they are immaterial and insignificant.
- Cold HeartUnlocks at rank 9Vigour loss reduction: -50% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Campaign movement range: +5%Attrition: -30% casualties suffered from all attrition (Lord's army)"The Lord of Ruin is coming for you. Onwards, beast of the deep earth!"
- Drachau TyrantUnlocks at rank 11On turn start, Lords in this character's region have a chance to gain 1 loyalty (local region)Upkeep: -10% (Lord's army)Control: +3 (local province)Sleepless nights afford the Lord of Hag Graef time to viciously and efficiently tackle tedious matters. Like taxes, always taxes...
- Contempt & HatredUnlocks at rank 15Weapon strength: +20% when fighting against anything and everything"With hate, all things are possible."
Cooldown: -20% to "The Blood Price"
Melee defence: +10 (Until transformed into Tz'arkan)
Attribute: Stalk (Until transformed into Tz'arkan)
Ambush success chance: +15% (Lord's army)
Chance of intercepting an army using Tunnelling, beast-paths or Worldroots: +20%
Attribute: Causes Terror (While transformed into Tz'arkan)
Enemy leadership: -7 (enemy armies in local province)
Ward save: +10% (While transformed into Tz'arkan)
Casualty replenishment rate: +30% for this Lord (Lord's army)
Vigour loss reduction: -50% for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)
Campaign movement range: +5%
Attrition: -30% casualties suffered from all attrition (Lord's army)
On turn start, Lords in this character's region have a chance to gain 1 loyalty (local region)
Upkeep: -10% (Lord's army)
Control: +3 (local province)- Sea Dragon CloakArmour: +5The tough, scaly hide of the Sea Dragon provides excellent protection against all manner of blows.
- Devastating Charge2 levelsLevel 1Charge bonus: +15Level 2Charge bonus: +30Requires: Sea Dragon CloakSome creatures charge home with such fury that the very ground shakes beneath their feet.
- Hard to Hit2 levelsLevel 1Melee defence: +6Level 2Melee defence: +12Requires: Sea Dragon CloakHand-to-hand combat is a lethal match of cut and thrust. However, it’s not all about offensive strikes; parries and other defensive moves can also win the day.
- Blade Master2 levelsLevel 1Melee attack: +6Level 2Melee attack: +12Requires: Sea Dragon CloakThis warrior is one with their blade; it is an extension of their will, making them a worthy foe in combat.
- Indomitable2 levelsLevel 1Leadership: +6Level 2Leadership: +12Requires: Sea Dragon CloakThe iron will and indomitable presence of this leader ensures their followers remain steadfast when facing peril.
- Foe-SeekerAbility: "Foe-Seeker"Requires: 4 skill points across Devastating Charge, Hard to Hit, Blade Master, IndomitableFrom one bloodied, lifeless corpse to the next, this one is always looking for the next adversary to best.
- Wound-Maker2 levelsLevel 1Weapon strength: +10%Level 2Weapon strength: +20%Requires: Foe-SeekerSuch is their power and ferocity, a wound-maker will ravage the foe, cutting and pulverising until there is only one exit - death.
- Full Plate Armour2 levelsLevel 1Armour: +7Level 2Armour: +15Requires: Foe-SeekerFull-Plate armour protects the wearer from head-to-foot. Many such suits are blessed or imbued with arcane abilities.
- Blade Shield2 levelsLevel 1Melee defence: +6Level 2Melee defence: +12Requires: Foe-SeekerA blade that sings in defence will not let its wielder be penetrated.
- Expeditious Endeavour2 levelsLevel 1Speed: +7%Level 2Speed: +15%Requires: Foe-SeekerWhat the enemy cannot see, it cannot hit. What the enemy cannot see, it cannot survive.
- Deadly OnslaughtAbility: "Deadly Onslaught"Requires: 4 skill points across Wound-Maker, Full Plate Armour, Blade Shield, Expeditious EndeavourThe war is endless. The cycle of charging, clashing, and bloody hand-to-hand fighting is without end. It will never stop.
Armour: +5
Leadership: +6
Speed: +7%Battle
- Inspiring PresenceUnit experience gain per turn: +75 (Lord's army)Character's aura leadership effect: +5There are Lords that radiate power, confidence and fear, inspiring their followers to great or terrible acts.
- Line Breaker3 levelsLevel 1Melee defence: +4 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)Level 2Melee attack: +4 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +4 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)Level 3Melee attack: +6 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +6 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)Requires: Inspiring PresenceMagic is a most useful tool on the field of battle, but generally secondary in the face of good, old-fashioned brute force.
- Sheafmaster3 levelsLevel 1Ammunition: +8% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)Level 2Ammunition: +12% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)Reload time reduction: +4% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)Level 3Ammunition: +20% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)Reload time reduction: +8% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)Requires: Inspiring PresenceMarshalling missile troops effectively - even elites - is all about timing.
- Raid Leader3 levelsLevel 1Charge bonus: +6 for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Level 2Charge bonus: +9 for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +3 for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlock and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Missile strength: +6% for Shades, Dark Riders and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Level 3Charge bonus: +12 for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +5 for Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlock and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Missile strength: +8% for Shades, Dark Riders and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)Requires: Inspiring PresenceThe most effective raiders have a plan that is certain to succeed and stick to it; this one ensures that they do.
- Lash Master3 levelsLevel 1Weapon strength: +6% for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Level 2Reload time reduction: +9% for Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Charge bonus: +9 for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Weapon strength: +9% for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Level 3Reload time reduction: +12% for Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Charge bonus: +12 for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Weapon strength: +12% for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)Requires: Inspiring PresenceJudicious, or even not-so-judicious, use of the lash tends to get the desired results, so why hold back?
- Knight Lord3 levelsLevel 1Melee attack: +4 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Level 2Melee attack: +4 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +4 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Level 3Melee attack: +6 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +6 for Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Lord's army)Requires: Inspiring PresenceThe ability to command the savage, untamed Cold Ones should not be underestimated - not everyone has the knack!
- Slaughterlord3 levelsLevel 1Melee attack: +4 for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners, Black Guard of Naggarond and Sisters of Slaughter units (Lord's army)Level 2Melee attack: +4 for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners, Black Guard of Naggarond and Sisters of Slaughter units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +4 for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners, Black Guard of Naggarond and Sisters of Slaughter units (Lord's army)Level 3Melee attack: +6 for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners, Black Guard of Naggarond and Sisters of Slaughter units (Lord's army)Melee defence: +6 for Witch Elves, Har Ganeth Executioners, Black Guard of Naggarond and Sisters of Slaughter units (Lord's army)Requires: Inspiring PresenceAn elite even amongst elites, this accomplished warrior directs the cut-and-thrust of melee - a choreographer of death, you might say.
- Strength Through SpitePassive ability: "Strength Through Spite"Requires: 6 skill points across Line Breaker, Sheafmaster, Raid Leader, Lash Master, Knight Lord, Slaughterlord
- Cull the UnworthyArmour: +10 for Bleakswords, Dreadspears, Darkshards and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Missile strength: +12% for Darkshards and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Missile resistance: 15% for Bleakswords, Dreadspears, Darkshards and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Weapon strength: +12% for Bleakswords, Dreadspears, Darkshards and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Requires: Strength Through SpiteThose who fail to make the grade don't just die, they're tortured and used for target practice!
- Ravager RewardsArmour: +10 for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Range: +15% for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades, Dark Riders and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Speed: +10% for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Requires: Strength Through SpiteYou'd think that pillaging the land would bring payment enough. You'd be wrong.
- Favour the FortunateArmour: +5 for Black Guard of Naggarond, Har Ganeth Executioners, Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Charge bonus: +12 for Black Guard of Naggarond, Har Ganeth Executioners, Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Weapon strength: +12% for Black Guard of Naggarond, Har Ganeth Executioners, Cold One Knights, Cold One Dread Knights and Cold One Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Requires: Strength Through SpiteThe gods help those who help themselves - raising them above the rank and file to elite status.
- Confer BloodlustPhysical resistance: 10% for Witch Elves, Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore, Sisters of Slaughter and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Speed: +10% for Witch Elves, Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore, Sisters of Slaughter and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Weapon strength: +12% for Witch Elves, Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore, Sisters of Slaughter and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Requires: Strength Through SpiteThe murderous, unforgiving rage of Khaine can be transferred from a Lord to his legions.
- Kindle the FuryReplaces: "Strength Through Spite"Passive ability: "Kindle the Fury"Requires: a point in any of Cull the Unworthy, Ravager Rewards, Favour the Fortunate, Confer Bloodlust
Melee defence: +4 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)
Melee attack: +4 for Dreadspears, Bleakswords, Black Ark Corsairs and Darkshards units (Lord's army)
Ammunition: +8% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)
Reload time reduction: +4% for Darkshards, Black Ark Corsairs and Bolt Thrower units (Lord's army)
Missile strength: +6% for Shades, Dark Riders and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Lord's army)
Weapon strength: +6% for Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Lord's army)
Armour: +10 for Bleakswords, Dreadspears, Darkshards and Reaper Bolt Thrower units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)
Range: +15% for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades, Dark Riders and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)
Speed: +10% for Black Ark Corsairs, Shades, Dark Riders, Doomfire Warlocks and Scourgerunner Chariot units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)
Physical resistance: 10% for Witch Elves, Harpies, War Hydra, Kharibdyss, Black Dragon, Feral Manticore, Sisters of Slaughter and Bloodwrack Medusae units (Rank 7 and above) (Lord's army)Campaign
- Route MarcherCampaign movement range: +5%Those who know the land and its secrets will travel faster and further than the foes who don't.
- Iron Disciplinarian3 levelsLevel 1Control: +1 (local province)Level 2Control: +2 (local province)Level 3Control: +3 (local province)Requires: Route MarcherThis Lord expects utter obedience from the smallfolk, and has little time for insurrections or petty revolts.
- Dreaded Slaver3 levelsLevel 1Casualties captured post-battle: +5%Level 2Casualties captured post-battle: +12%Level 3Casualties captured post-battle: +25%Requires: Route MarcherThis one ensures that those captured in battle wished they'd died on the field, so great is the cruelty that awaits them.
- Serve or Die3 levelsLevel 1Recruitment cost: -5% (Lord's army)Level 2Recruitment cost: -10% (Lord's army)Level 3Recruitment cost: -15% (Lord's army)Requires: Route Marcher"You will serve me, wretch, or you will die, there is no other option."
- Infamous Raider3 levelsLevel 1Income from looting settlements: +4% (Lord's army)Income from raiding: +10% (Lord's army)Income from sacking settlements: +4% (Lord's army)Level 2Income from looting settlements: +9% (Lord's army)Income from raiding: +20% (Lord's army)Income from sacking settlements: +9% (Lord's army)Level 3Income from looting settlements: +15% (Lord's army)Income from raiding: +30% (Lord's army)Income from sacking settlements: +15% (Lord's army)Requires: Route MarcherIf there were annals detailing the dastardly deeds of the sackers and looters of the world, this inveterate brigand would feature heavily.
- DraftmasterRecruit rank: +1 for all units (Lord's army)Local recruitment capacity: +1 (local province)Requires: 4 skill points across Iron Disciplinarian, Dreaded Slaver, Serve or Die, Infamous RaiderSomeone has to ensure the numbers and quality of recruits remain high.
- Lightning Strike3 levelsLevel 1Enemy battle reinforcement time: +25%Battle reinforcement time: -10%Reinforcements supporting this army can have their arrival point adjusted by +250 metres without incurring any time penaltyLevel 2Enemy battle reinforcement time: +50%Battle reinforcement time: -20%Reinforcements supporting this army can have their arrival point adjusted by +600 metres without incurring any time penaltyLevel 3Enemy battle reinforcement time: +50%Battle reinforcement time: -30%Reinforcements supporting this army can have their arrival point adjusted by +1000 metres without incurring any time penaltyEnables lightning strike battles when reinforcements are presentRequires: Draftmaster"The time to strike is now!"
- Quartermaster3 levelsLevel 1Upkeep: -3% (Lord's army)Level 2Upkeep: -6% (Lord's army)Level 3Upkeep: -10% (Lord's army)Requires: DraftmasterA good quartermaster can ration equipment and foodstuffs efficiently, making supplies last longer.
- Fleeting Shadow3 levelsLevel 1Ambush success chance: +6% (Lord's army)Ambush defence chance: +5% (Lord's army)Level 2Ambush success chance: +16% (Lord's army)Ambush defence chance: +10% (Lord's army)Level 3Attribute: Vanguard DeploymentAmbush success chance: +30% (Lord's army)Ambush defence chance: +20% (Lord's army)Requires: DraftmasterKnowing precisely where and when to launch an ambush, and against who, takes an unusual level of guile.
- Elven Healing3 levelsLevel 1Casualty replenishment rate: +2% (Lord's army)Attrition: -10% casualties suffered from all attrition (Lord's army)Level 2Casualty replenishment rate: +4% (Lord's army)Attrition: -20% casualties suffered from all attrition (Lord's army)Level 3Casualty replenishment rate: +6% (Lord's army)Attrition: -30% casualties suffered from all attrition (Lord's army)Requires: DraftmasterThe ancient Asur arts teach one how to heal as well as how to harm.
- Renowned & FearedEnemy Hero action success chance: -10%Hero self-defence: +25% chance of wounding aggressorsCampaign movement range: +5%Recruit rank: +1 for all units (Lord's army)Upkeep: -8% (Lord's army)Requires: 4 skill points across Lightning Strike, Quartermaster, Fleeting Shadow, Elven HealingThis Lord's many deeds - both on and off the battlefield - have brought them renown among their allies and made them feared by their enemies.
Casualties captured post-battle: +5%
Recruitment cost: -5% (Lord's army)
Income from looting settlements: +4% (Lord's army)
Local recruitment capacity: +1 (local province)
Enables lightning strike battles when reinforcements are present
Attribute: Vanguard Deployment
Enemy Hero action success chance: -10%Mount
A mount comes with its skill in the tree: some the game grants at a rank, others take a skill point (picking one here takes it when the tree allows).
Items
- Weapon
- Armour
- Talisman
- Enchanted item
- Follower or banner0/2
Items this character can carry: its race's (or any race's), its kind of character, and the ones made for it; an item only some factions get is left out for a legendary lord of another faction and marked “… only” for everyone else. The arcane item slot is for spellcasters (Dwarf characters carry three Character Runes there); followers and banners share two ancillary slots.
Stats of this build
Malus Darkblade · base + skills + items; no techs, buffs, campaign or battle-context effects (vs a race, at sea…).
| Stat | Base | Build |
|---|---|---|
| Health | 4,288 | 4,288 |
| Armour | 90 | 90 |
| Leadership | 85 | 85 |
| Speed | 36 | 36 |
| Melee attack | 60 | 60 |
| Melee defence | 60 | 60 |
| Weapon strength | 400 | 400 |
| … armour-piercing | 280 | 280 |
| Charge bonus | 45 | 45 |
| Ward save % | 0 | 0 |
| Physical resistance % | 0 | 0 |
| Missile resistance % | 15 | 15 |
| Spell resistance % | 0 | 0 |
| Fire resistance % | 0 | 0 |
| Magical attacks | No | No |
| Flaming attacks | No | No |
All effects of this build
No skills taken yet.
Skills and items; like lines are added up, and a skill counts at the highest level taken (each level lists its totals). Army of Renown fills itself in at its ranks.
Source: character_skill_node_sets, character_skill_nodes, character_skill_node_links (REQUIRED and SUBSET_REQUIRED), character_skill_level_details, character_skills_to_level_reached_criterias, character_skill_nodes_skill_locks and character_experience_skill_tiers, patch 9.0.4, via the WH3-Dump export. The general tree only: faction and campaign variants of a tree are not included. A skill after a group of skills (SUBSET_REQUIRED) opens once the skill points character_skill_nodes.required_num_parents asks for are spent in that group, in any mix — the game's “Available after spending N skill points in the previous group”; each REQUIRED skill needs a point.