- Court of Lybaras requires Rise of the Tomb Kings to play.
Court of Lybaras is a playable Tomb Kings faction introduced in Total War: Warhammer II with the Rise of the Tomb Kings DLC. It is led by the High Queen Khalida and can be found in the southeastern Southlands in the Mortal Empires campaign or in southwestern Lustria in the Eye of the Vortex campaign.
The Tomb Kings were previously a great human empire called Nehekhara (now known as the Land of the Dead), themed on ancient Egypt. However, the empire of Nehekhara was destroyed by the necromancer Nagash and his vampires, causing the mummified dead of Nehekhara to rise. The Tomb Kings now seek to reclaim their lost glory, and take vengeance on Nagash and the vampires. The armies of the Tomb Kings consist of ranks of skeleton soldiers and chariots, supported by towering animated statues of bone and stone.
How they play[ | ]
A summary of Court of Lybaras gameplay:
- Units: Tomb Kings focus on ranks of skeleton infantry and chariots, combined with powerful animated statues and constructs.
- Elite units: Tomb Kings have Regiments of Renown and campaign-exclusive Legions of Legend.
- Realm of Souls: As Tomb Kings armies take damage in battle, a bar fills up and eventually mass-heals the army.
- Day of Awakening: In campaign, Tomb Kings do not require money for unit recruitment or upkeep. Instead they have unit/army caps, increased by buildings and technologies.
- Canopic Jars: A unique resource used for various things, particularly by the Mortuary Cult.
- Mortuary Cult: A cult of priests who use resources to craft magical items or elite Legions of Legend.
- Books of Nagash: In the Eye of the Vortex campaign, Tomb Kings must search for these.
Background[ | ]
"Lybaras is vengeance given form. It is the wrath, the wrack and the ruin of all those who would dare challenge the Great Land. The shadows of its white towers stretch from the Devil’s Backbone to the west, to the Cursed Jungle in the south, and to the Gulf of Fear in the east. Only from the north may Lybaras be safely approached, and it is the north that Lybaras guards, for in the north lies cursed Lahmia and twice-cursed Nagashizzar."
-Zabbai, Hand-Maiden and Tomb Herald of Khalida as she speaks to Felix Jaeger of Lybaras[1]
Lybaras, the Tomb City of Asaph, known by other titles such as Lybaras the Magnificent or Lybaras Which Guard the Sea, is one of several powerful city-states of ancient Nehekhara. Though smaller than her other sister cities, Lybaras is no less a vision of decayed splendour which signified the wealth and beauty of ancient Nehekhara. Vast temple complexes towered into the sky, and every burial pyramid is topped with priceless gold. Lybaras is the ancient resting place of High Queen Khalida, renowned warrior-queen whose enchanting beauty, martial pride and her deep-rooted hatred of Nagash's tainted race of Vampires.
Before Nehekhara became the Land of the Dead, Lybaras was known as the patron city of Tahoth and home of many technological wonders. During the wars against Nagash, the Priest King of Lybaras, Hekhmenukep, was responsible for several astounding war machines, including sky-ships, advanced catapults, and steam-powered tomb scorpions and colossi made of wood and bronze. By the time that Khalida ruled as queen, they had learned how to both mine and utilize iron to arm and armor their soldiers.
Ever since Khalida's short reign as Queen of Lybaras and her eventually resurrection by Asaph, Goddess of Vengeance and Serpents, the city has since taken this goddess as their personal patron deity. Carvings of her beloved asps adorn every surface of the city's funeral monuments and these serpentine engravings constantly writhe across the stonework, hissing at any who walk in their shadow and spying on any who dare explored the streets.
Of all Nehekhara's cities, Lybaras has the most independence from Khemri's rule, and that of Settra himself. This is due, in no small part, to its distance and isolation from Settra's court. Lybaras is surrounded on three sides by the mountain range known as the Devil's Backbone to the west, the Cursed Jungle to the south and the sulphuric waters of the Gulf of Fear to the east. The only negotiable path lies to the north, past the tainted ruins of Lahmia, where the spirits of the damned lurk and feed upon any who enter.
In battle[ | ]
Units[ | ]
The armies of the Tomb Kings consist of ranks of skeleton soldiers and chariots, supported by towering animated statues of bone and stone. Court of Lybaras has a larger focus on the snake-themed units such as Necropolis Knights and Sepulchral Stalkers than the other Tomb Kings factions but generally plays the same.
In campaign[ | ]
Court of Lybaras plays largely like the other Tomb Kings factions. See that page for details.
Legendary Lord choices[ | ]
- High Queen Khalida - a melee fighter and powerful buffing army leader
Faction effects[ | ]
- Suitable Climate: Jungle
- Diplomatic relations: +20 with Tomb Kings
- Ammunition: +20% (all armies)
Climate preferences[ | ]
Climate preferences for Court of Lybaras differ slightly from most other Tomb Kings factions. They are much more suited to
- Habitable: Wasteland, Savannah, Desert, Jungle, mountain
- Unpleasant: Temperate, Island
- Uninhabitable: Frozen, Ocean, Chaotic Wasteland, Magical Forest
Start locations[ | ]
Eye of the Vortex:
- The Forgotten Isles, Copper Desert
Mortal Empires:
- Lybaras, Devil's Backbone
Immortal Empires:
- Lybaras, Crater of the Waking Dead
Victory conditions[ | ]
Eye of the Vortex[ | ]
Campaign Victory
- Collect any 5 of the Books of Nagash
- Hold the following settlement Black Pyramid of Nagash
- Win the following battle
Battle of the Black Pyramid
Domination Victory
- Destroy the following faction(s)
Lothern, Hexoatl, Cult of Pleasure, Naggarond, Clan Mors, Followers of Nagash - Maintain control of 50 province(s), either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies.
Mortal Empires[ | ]
Short campaign
- Destroy the following faction(s):
Necrarch Brotherhood, Strygos Empire, The Silver Host - Maintain a total of 7 units of the following type:
Necropolis Knights, Necropolis Knights (Halberds), Sepulchral Stalkers - Hold the following settlement:
Black Pyramid of Nagash - Ensure that 5 of the following building(s) have been constructed:
Pyramid of King Alcadizaar, Pyramid of King Amenemhetum, Pyramid of King Khatep, Pyramid of King Phar, Great Pyramid of Settra, Pyramid of Prince Tutankhanut, Vault of Nagash - Control any 8 of the following settlements either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies:
Lybaras, Lahmia, Khemri, Numas, Black Tower of Arkhan, Zandri, Ka-Sabar, Wizard Caliph's Palace, Al-Haikk, Galbaraz
Long campaign
- Destroy the following faction(s)
Necrarch Brotherhood, Strygos Empire, The Silver Host, Vampire Counts, Von Carstein, The Drowned, Pirates of Sartosa, Vampire Coast, The Dreadfleet, The Barrow Legion, Mousillon, Templehof - Maintain a total of 15 units of the following type:
Necropolis Knights, Necropolis Knights (Halberds), Sepulchral Stalkers - Hold the following settlement:
Black Pyramid of Nagash - Ensure that 7 of the following building(s) have been constructed:
Pyramid of King Alcadizaar, Pyramid of King Amenemhetum, Pyramid of King Khatep, Pyramid of King Phar, Great Pyramid of Settra, Pyramid of Prince Tutankhanut, Vault of Nagash - Control any 17 of the following settlements either by direct ownership or through vassals and military allies:
Lybaras, Lahmia, Khemri, Numas, Black Tower of Arkhan, Zandri, Ka-Sabar, Wizard Caliph's Palace, Al-Haikk, Galbaraz, Castle Drakenhof, Schwartzhafen, Castle Tempelhof, Mousillon, The Awakening, Pox Marsh, The Blood Swamps
Immortal Empires[ | ]
Short Campaign Victory
- Occupy, loot, raze, or sack 30 different settlements
- Destroy the following factions: Followers of Nagash, Khemri
Long Campaign Victory
- Occupy, loot, raze, or sack 75 different settlements
- Hold 11 settlements including the following: Black Pyramid of Nagash, Black Tower of Arkhan, Khemri, Wizard Caliph's Palace, Al Haikk, Numas, Ka-Sabar, Galbaraz, Karag Orrud, Lahmia, Rasetra
- Ensure that 7 of the following buildings have been constructed: Pyramid of King Alacadizzar, Pyramid of King Amenemhetum, Pyramid of King Khatep, Pyramid of King Phar, Great Pyramid of Settra, Pyramid of Prince Tutankhamut, Vault of Nagash
Diplomacy[ | ]
Diplomatic Traits[ | ]
Eye of the Vortex[ | ]
- Hates Vampires - Hates Vampires
- Kingdom come - Great kings have the greatest kingdoms
- Climate is irrelevant - The dead are everywhere, only the living need concern themselves with environment
- Power is everything - It is something to aspire to; to see great power wielded so absolutely
Starting Agreements[ | ]
Eye of the Vortex[ | ]
- War with Sentinels of Xeti
Mortal Empires[ | ]
- War with The Silver Host
Chapter Objectives[ | ]
Chapter 1[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | The Throne of Lybaras | There are those who encroach on Lybaras, who mistake that the stillness and calm of High Queen Khalida as inaction or indolence. They will learn, the queen rises from her throne, trespassers, intruders and usurpers shall rue the day they invoked the rage of Khalida! | ||
| Bonus objective I | Blessings of the Asp Goddess | Asaph shall grant Khalida many boons when the queen performs feats that please the goddess. The Warrior-Queen should deploy such blessings wisely. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Iron Lady | Since the time of living, there have been advances in meteorology. Iron is superior to bronze for blades and other weapons. Khalida should have her servants search for it. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Fortress of Vengeful Souls | To the south of Lybaras is the forbidding fortress of Rasettra. The home of vengeful souls, such enraged spirits will make willing followers for the High Queen. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | The Vengeance Begins | The Warrior-Queen rises from her throne and glides to war. She is Beloved of Asaph and all that wrong her shall incur her wrath. Begin by reaping three victories. | ||
| Bonus objective V | Prove Your Worth | Khalida has never totally trusted the advisors sent by the Mortuary Cult, suspecting they serve their own agenda. Let them prove their worth! |
Chapter 2[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | Realm of the Asp Goddess | Khalida is beloved by Asaph; the snake shall strike through her champion, seeking out enemies both living or dead. But before the serpent can hunt, it must secure its nest. The queendom of Lybaras is ripe for expansion. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Embodiment of the Asp | The High Queen is the embodiment of Asaph, as such is no mere withering corpse. She is an eternal warrior queen in search of vengeance. See she attains the required rank. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Precious Trinkets | while Khalida herself does not covet trinkets such as gems, there are beings in the world, both mortal and immortal, that desire them. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Old Dynasties | Uncover the past and the future will be secured. A wise mantra of the Liche Priests, so the queen should set them to researching the lost dynasties of old. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Khalida's Quest | The goddess communes with her champion, now is the time for Khalida to go in search of enchanted items that should belong to the Warrior-Queen. The quest is on. | ||
| Bonus objective V | The Cult Times | The Liche Priests must now do their part in this conquest. Have Khalida set them to work, crafting or locating loyal legions thought lost. |
Chapter 3[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | The Snake Coils | Before the asp can strike it must coil, tensing its body for the inevitable attack. Khalida should ready her empire in the same way. Her followers must coil, creating a solid foundation for the imminent attack. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Arise My Queen | The Warrior-Queen, like any predator, is efficient. She will only rise from her throne when needed. But when she does, it is with the boons of her patron, Asaph. And so she must be risen in rank. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Serpent Spice | Spices, timber, and iron - these resources represent very little to the Warrior-Queen. Yet, if others think them valuable then they can be used against enemies and allies alike. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Summon the Liche Priest | The whispers of the Liche Priests can aid a Tomb King - or Tomb Queen - in their quests for dominance - and vengeance. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Search the Scrolls | Hidden in the scrolls, deep in the meanings of the hieroglyphics, will be clues to ancient dynasties. Seek them out and Khalida will have access to allies from the age of antiquity. | ||
| Bonus objective V | Craft the World | Let the conniving Liches begin their work. Have them fashion an item that will allow Khalida to invade her inferior cousins. |
Chapter 4[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | The Realm of Venom | With Lybaras thriving, the queen can look to spreading her venom throughout the land. But her ultimate goal is nothing as vacuous as Settra - she cares not for how mighty her empire grows, merely that this will leave her unchallenged to hunt the real foe - the spawn of Lahmia. | ||
| Bonus objective I | The Huntress | Khalida must glide across the threshold of the 24th rank, for the Vampire thralls she hunts are powerful indeed. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Yearning Merchants | Once more, merchants yearn for riches; even mortal things come to trade. But Khalida can use such fleshy puppets - she is the puppeteer and will use their desires to learn where the Vampires skulk. | ||
| Bonus objective III | Neferata's Children | There is enough of Khalida's living soul that still resides within the Warrior-Queen. That part of her rages and hates, and will seek, fight and claim victory against all Vampire scum. Wipe them out. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Family Tree | We have no time for family trees, they are consigned to history. No, Khalida must seek out the lost dynasties using her Liches. | ||
| Bonus objective V | Ancient Legions of Lybaras | Over millennia many great legions have been lost in the sands. Let the Liche Priests chant, and hopefully they will find what was once lost - or at the very least fashion some relic to help this cause. |
Chapter 5[ | ]
| Rank | Name | Objective(s) | Reward(s) | In-game description |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Primary objective | High Queen of Nehekhara | All shall tremble before a queen mighty and merciless. She will purge the lands of Vampire taint. But do not let the living think themselves safe from Khalida, for they are the stock on which the hated night creatures feed. Let the High Queen purge the world no matter if hearts beat within her prey or not. | ||
| Bonus objective I | Highest Rank | The High Queen should achieve the highest rank, for the followers of Asaph expect nothing less. | ||
| Bonus objective II | Lost Riches | The queendom of Lybaras has always been a rich one. Yet the accumulation of treasures and baubles is useful, be it to sway the weak-willed or bait them to the queen's will. | ||
| Bonus objective III | The Necromancer's Pyramid | That power-mad fool, Nagash left many relics and legacies and none more prominent than the Black Pyramid. The High Queen should take it, not only for the power it holds that could serve Khalida, but to deprive it from other tyrants. | ||
| Bonus objective IV | Purge the Coast | Now that Lybaras is ascendant, Khalida can focus on her true purpose - the very reason that Asaph purged her body of Neferata's corruption - to destroy the lands where the Vampires lurk. This coastline across the sea is said to be infested. | ||
| Bonus objective V | Cult Machinations | The Liche Priests are ready to give their High Queen the ultimate gift. Let us hope this relic or legion can be used in Khalida's true quest. |
Strategy[ | ]
Trivia[ | ]
- Court of Lybaras was added with the Rise of the Tomb Kings DLC.
References[ | ]
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