"All citizens of Ulthuan must join a militia and attend regular training, by order of the Phoenix King."
- —Description of militia training technology in Total War: Warhammer II.[2]
High Elf Spearmen and High Elf Archers drawn from the High Elf citizen levy make up the bulk of the infantry in the armies of Ulthuan.[1a]
The High Elf Citizen Levy is comprised of regiments of spearmen and archers raised from the citizen soldiery of the ten kingdoms of Ulthuan. Though he may be a craftsman, tradesman or artist in peace time, every High Elf becomes a resolute and deadly fighter in time of war.[1b]
Since the time of the Phoenix King Morvael, all ordinary citizens of Ulthuan have been required to learn how to fight with either spear or bow. So, when it comes to battle the High Elf citizen army has a considerable advantage over the other mortal races of Mallus. Not only are High Elves naturally disciplined, but years of preparation and constant combat readiness have attuned their skills to serve in the perfect fighting formation. Indeed, High Elves react in battle with such speed and agility that they appear to move at their leader's will, fighting with a single mind where other races become indecisive and founder.[1a]
History[]
Over a thousand years ago the Phoenix King Morvael introduced a levy system whereby all the High Elves of Ulthuan received training so that they could be called upon to fight at any time. These levies were organised into bands based within their cities, towns and villages. Morvael accurately predicted the need for a well-organised but flexible army to defend Ulthuan in the troubled times that lay ahead. His system has stood the test of time and remains the cornerstone of High Elven armies to this very day.[1b]
Although the full body of citizen warriors can be mobilised in emergencies, in normal circumstances only a proportion of the population of each Ulthuani settlement serves under arms at any one time. The retinues of the High Elven nobility also contribute towards the levy, providing cavalry to support the warriors on foot.[1b]
These variously sized and disparate units are formed into larger regiments as needed. Many warriors are sent north to guard the passes and the isles, whilst others remain to guard the cities further south. Both spearmen and archers are traditionally garbed in white, often with a coloured border design that proclaims their realm or city of origin. White is the colour of purity and of death, and their robes symbolise their determination to fight to the end if necessary.[1b]
High Elf warriors are generally very well-equipped. Spearmen have hauberks of scale armour, the distinctive tall helms of the Elves, and seven-foot-long spears. Archers carry powerful composite bows constructed of alternating layers of wood which endow them with great power and range.[1a]