[Update #2]: The patch notes for the free update accompanying the DLC have now been released, and apparently the turn-end times will be getting improved by up to 60%!

[Update]: Both Malus and Snikch will be starting in the newly expanded southeastern part of the Mortal Empires map!

Total War: Warhammer 2 will soon be getting The Shadow & The Blade DLC, bringing with it a whole bunch of new features and tweaks to mess around with. Malus Darkblade and Deathmaster Snikch are arriving as unique legendary lords with their very own campaign mechanics, while both the Dark Elves and Skaven are getting a variety of new units to help finish off their roster. Most importantly of all, the free update will also add Repanse de Lyonesse as a legendary lord for Bretonnia, alongside a ~60% turn-end timer reduction for the Mortal Empires campaign!

While the recently posted preview doesn't go into detail about most of these new features, it will give you a pretty good idea of just what Malus Darkblade has to offer, as well as what the new Dark Elf units are all about. Have a peek:

I can only hope Malus will be the first of many lords to have the option for alternate starts, because that's probably the best way to freshen up the campaign experience without having to add copious amounts of new content. The only thing I'm kind of worried about are Malus' buffs and debuffs given that he seems to favor ranged units and artillery far more than the beasts and cold ones the entire Dark Elf side of the DLC is all about. After all, both -10 melee attack and -50% replenishment are brutal for melee-focused troops that are going to be taking the brunt of the casualties in every battle.

Whether my concern is warranted or not, I suppose we'll find out soon enough as The Shadow & The Blade DLC will be coming this December 12th. You can learn more about it, as well as potentially grab yourself a copy, over at Steam.