In FFH lore, the Svartalfar are followers of Esus. And there are some synergies, since Svartalfar recon units have a stronger attack and CoE caters to recon units. But, what I'm wondering is, from a gameplay perspective is this ever the optimal choice?
I find that when I play Svartalfar I'm always better off running FoL+Guardian of Nature+Forests everywhere. Aside of having a better economy, Satyrs are powerful recon units that can take advantage of Sinister promotion, have a higher attack than Rangers, no city attack penalty, and a free woodsman I promotion. On top of that, FoL priests can buff recon units with poisoned blade.

Any thoughts? Is CoE better than FoL for Svartalfar?

FoL is probably better, at least for the early game. I tend to try to get both religions when I play as the dark elves. Esus UUs are much later, so I let the ancient forests grow and then convert. I try to make sure I have enough FoL priests when I convert too.

if hell terrain eventually comes they're better off finding another religion since Faeryl is Evil and will suffer losing her ancient forests when the AC starts rising

THE VERY SAME theme is already opened in another thread in this (strategic) forum. Why open it once again ? A wasted line, plus people won't even take the time to answer yet again to the same question.

I hadn't seen the other thread, obviously.

Hmmm, I definately agree with you here. The Svartalfar do do well as FOL, but then they are elves aren't they. They're supposed to have synergies with both. The satyr version of the ranger is awsome with sinister and poison blade too. Its a shame that youi can't run Coe at the same time as another religion, I mean the council isn't really a religion anyway is it? More of a Crime syndicate IMO. The bset thing to do is to run FOL for probably most of the game, taking full advantage of ancient forests and Satyrs. Then when you're ready, convert to COE but make sure you have a good amount of FOL priests left. :D

I hadn't seen the other thread, obviously.

let's just say you didn't even look... :rolleyes: