Bleakswords

Bleakswords is a Dark Elves melee infantry unit in Total War: Warhammer II. Schooled in slaughter through a lifetime of survival.

Description
Dark Elf armies are formed around a core of utterly merciless soldiers, schooled in slaughter by a lifetime of survival amidst the twisted streets of Naggaroth's cities. Most such warriors are conscripted into service, but a few muster willingly, having identified some manner in which the battle will play to their personal advantage. All Dark Elves are arrogant beyond tolerance, but Bleakswords far outstrip even other Naggarothi in this regard. Each believes himself to be the greatest warrior of his age, needless of aid and heedless of danger. Bleakswords forsake the spear and the repeater crossbow, deeming the former a peasant's weapon and the latter a craven armament. Instead, they wield slender duelling blades that flash past an enemy's guard to slit his throat or pierce his heart.

Strategy
Bleakswords are your standard shielded core frontline troops. Preferably used against infantry sized targets. They perform fairly well compared to most other main infantry of other races.

You should take advantage of their shields when necessary by letting them take the enemy ranged fire, since they are cheap and are there to die for the greater cause when necessary.

When playing in campaign if you want a fairly strong but cheap army for defending or doing smaller work, you should immediately buff them with the red line lord skill. When buffed with technology and red line skill tree they become a very strong and cheap unit capable of easily beating higher tier units.