Star Dragon


 * This page is about the unit. For the mount see Star Dragon (mount).

Star Dragon is a High Elves flying monster unit in Total War: Warhammer II. The most ancient of Dragons, they destroy the foe with a power that can halt Chaos itself.

Description
Dragons are amongst the oldest of all living creatures, even predating the rise of Chaos, and rode the thermals of ancient volcanoes long before warm-blooded creatures ruled the world. They are wise and aloof, viewing those around with a perspective only the eldest creatures can share. On Ulthuan, Dragons are the subjects of legends quite different to the terrifying folk tales of other lands. Without the Dragons of Ulthuan, the High Elves would have been annihilated thousands of years ago, for the Dragons are the Elves' oldest and greatest allies. Within Ulthuan, the realm of Caledor is the is the home of the Dragons, and in ancient days, those noble beasts seemed almost without number. However, times have changed. Now, in colossal caverns found deep within the Dragon Spine Mountains, the Dragons sleep away the centuries. A mysterious languor that began in the earliest years of Tethlis' reign has caused more and more Dragons to enter a slumber from which only ancient Caledorian songs can rouse them. Few young Dragons are hatched now on Ulthuan. The youngest are referred to as Sun Dragons, in reference to their hot tempers and the rich, warm hue of their scales. Those that surpass the Sun Dragons in might and enlightenment are known as Moon Dragons. The oldest and most powerful are referred to as Star Dragons, for they are truly as ancient as the very stars of the firmament. While any Dragon can savage an entire regiment of warriors, tear a Manticore apart or rip the head off of a Wyvern, a Star Dragon is so physically powerful that it can battle against even the Greater Daemons of Chaos and prevail.

Strategy
The mightiest of the three dragons is also the most versatile. While he can be used like his younger counterparts to burn enemy infantry, his deadly flaming breath has a small area of effect and should not be wasted on cheap targets if there is a better opportunity. Use it to decimate the most expensive enemy unit you can find to get the most value out of it; heavy infantry like Chosen, Ironbreakers or Blackguards as well as heavy cavalry like Dread Knights, Demigryph Knights or Blood Knights are all prime targets. When targeting cavalry, however, wait until they are already engaged in melee or tie them down with a Net of Amyntok from a supporting Light Mage to ensure you do not miss. The Star Dragons high health, leadership and melee abilities allow him to go toe to toe with almost any unit, only losing decisively to elite monster killers like Necrosphinxes or Terrorgheists which you should avoid. He can also withstand a lot of punishment from enemy missile units, but it´s best not to take any chances and avoid their attacks when you can.

Dragons in general are extremely expensive in terms of upkeep, but the High Elves can combine a rare trait found on Princes and Princesses bought with lots of Influence with the Landmark building in Vauls Anvil (Caledor) to substantially reduce these costs.

One area dragons do extremely well in are siege battles. AI players will usually have a number of units amassed on a wall, which makes a great target for dragons to land on and kill a significant number of troops. In addition, the close proximity makes them a good target for the dragon's fire attacks.