Knights of the Ebon Claw (Dread Knights)

Knights of the Ebon Claw (Dread Knights) is a Dark Elves cavalry unit introduced in Total War: Warhammer II with The Queen and the Crone DLC. With riders as deadly as their mounts, the Knights of the Ebon Claw are a force to be reckoned with.

Description
A warband with a long and notorius history, the Knights of the Ebon Claw swore allegiance to Malus Darkblade following the fall of Clar Karond. They shed no tears for their former home, decrying it as a refuge of weaklings and traitors, and pointed to its fall as proof of both accusations. They now rode in Darkblades' vanguard, little realizing that this position had not been granted out of honour, but rather so that their new master could keep a close eye upon them. Darkblade was all too aware that an allegiance that shifted once could easily do so again.

Upon their arrival at Eagle Gate, the warleader of the Ebon Claw was cut down by Prince Yvarn, toppling their standard.

Strategy
These knights are notable for what they don't have, Rampage. Cold One Knights and Dread Knights are hampered by their rampage, but these knights are kept in full control until they rout. With high armor, strong melee stats, and armor piercing, these units are dedicated melee cavalry. Their leadership is also quite high, allowing them to fight nearly to the death and giving Dark Elves players a reliable cavalry unit even into the late game of a fight.

Their one weakness is their elite nature means they can be targeted frequently by artillery, magic, and archers as they are such a big threat on the battlefield. Their speed is also not the highest, meaning they can get outmaneuvered by other cavalry.