Dark Riders (Shields)

Dark Riders (Shields) is a Dark Elves cavalry unit introduced in Total War: Warhammer II. Their shields ensure that these riders can get in amongst the fray and remain there.

Description
In the grim days when armies of Daemons besieged Ulthuan, keen-eyed messengers from Nagarythe kept guard for any signs of a daemonic intrusion. These Dark Riders wore cloaks of black feathers, invoking the raven-headed god Nethu to keep them hidden from the eyes of the enemy. During the civil war, the Dark Riders earned a more sinister reputation. They traveled ahead of Nagarythe's hosts, sowing terror and confusion wherever they rode, burning villages and driving their people into the wilds. In battle, Dark Riders take delight in skirting the enemy flanks to attack war machines and cut lines of supply. They revel in the prospect of running down terror-stricken victims, dragging out every moment of wild panic as long as possible before delivering the final heart-seeking strike.

Strategy
The Dark Riders with shields gain 35% missile block chance and 6 melee defence. Bring this unit when you want a more sturdy light cavalry unit or when the cost difference is negligible in campaign. 6 Melee defence may not seem like a lot, but can make an impact on how much damage this unit receives when fighting other light cavalry or archers.