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"When Kurnous, God of the Hunt, met Rahagra, the father of the White Lions, they fought for three days, from dawn to dusk, but neither could claim victory. So began a bond of brotherhood between the hunter and the lion. We are rivals, as brothers are, but our kinship is the stronger for it."

—Scarloc, Wood Elf Hunter[1a]
War Lion-0

A white-furred War Lion of Chrace as depicted in concept art for Warhammer Online: Age of Reckoning.

The War Lions, also called White Lions, of Chrace are amongst the most famed of the many beasts who live in that kingdom of the island-continent of Ulthuan. They often serve as beasts of battle for the military forces of the High Elves if they have been magically bound by an Elven wizard.

Sometimes these High Elf Mages become so devoted to their bound War Lions that even after the magic of the binding has dissipated they have continued to earn the fierce loyalty of their animal companions.

Role[]

"To outrun a lion you don’t have to run faster than the lion. To outrun the lion, you just have to run faster than the other man it’s chasing."

Tilean saying[2a]
White Lion of Chrace (Warhammer)

A War Lion of Chrace in battle.

These fearsome beasts are deadly hunting cats, powerful creatures with a muscular frame and a sharp, cunning mind. Almost as tall at the shoulders as an Elven Steed, a War Lion is far stronger, able to break bones with each sweep of its claws and shatter even helmeted heads with a single chomp of its fanged maw. When War Lion prides hunt, none within their chosen grounds are safe. They will range far and wide, coordinating by instinct, in search of prey. A War Lion's loyalty is to its kin, first and last. This fidelity, along with their incredible ferocity when they attack, has given rise to a great many songs and poems throughout Ulthuan, and it is with a clear measure of pride that the Phoenix King's bodyguard have adopted the famed White Lions of Chrace as their namesakes.[1a]

War Lion Total War Warhammer II Render 1

Rendering of a War Lion of Chrace from Total War: Warhammer II.

The High Elves of Ulthuan do not regard the War Lions as evil creatures, but rather savage beasts to be feared, respected, and occasionally, in the case of the hunters of the Ulthuani kingdom of Chrace, nurtured. When preparing for war, it has been known for High Elf Mages to bind a pride of War Lions to their will. Such a gesture is not without risk, for the lions of Chrace are intelligent and patient beasts, and they are not easily controlled. Even when armoured for war and bound by powerful magic, White Lions maintain a lethal predatory instinct, and they remain vigilant against any threat, constantly ready to pounce should danger present itself.[1a]

Whilst Scrolls of Binding will unify and direct the War Lions for a time, a cunning mage will strive to bond with their predatory companions. Once accepted by the pride, the War Lions will remain loyal to the wizard long after the rites of binding have dissipated and all magical bonds are gone. One who has been adopted by a pride of War Lions in this way can find themselves with a bodyguard that even the Phoenix King himself might envy.[1a]

Notable War Lions[]

  • Rahagra - Rahagra was the fabled father of all the white War Lions, and a friend of Kurnous, the Elven god of the hunt.
  • Rahagra's Pride - A pride of lions who are the legacy of Rahagra, the mythical father of all the War Lions of Chrace. [3]

Sources[]

  • 1: Warhammer Fantasy Battle: Storm of Magic (8th Edition)
    • 1a: pg. 100
  • 2: Ancient Blood (Novel) by Robert Earl
    • 2a: Ch. 17
  • 3: Total War: Warhammer (PC Game)

Gallery[]

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