Black Guard

The Black Guard are the personal regiments of the Witch King Malekith. As well as being Malekith's personal guard they form the elite forces of Naggrond's garrison. Their primary weapons are Halberds and are equipped with heavier armour than the civilian forces.

They are the Dark Elves' greatest infantry unit, feared for their great morale and eternal hatred. Kouran is their captain.

Life and Education
The Black Guard are recruited at birth from families in the Witch King's favour. These children are then educated at one of twenty Tower barracks. The would-be guards men are routinely visited by the Witch King himself.

At graduation each aspirant swears fealty to the Witch King for a period of 200 years. Those that survive are rewarded with lands and wealth, many then becoming rulers, generals and members of Malekith's court.

Towers
The twenty towers of the Black Guard annually host tournaments between themselves. Life at these institutions is brutal and it is not unheard of that half of a given round of recruits perishes before their graduation.