Screaming Bell
The Screaming Bell is an unholy war machine of the Skaven created by Clan Skryre.[1]
It is an unholy altar under the protection of the Horned Rat himself. The bell is hung in a great carriage where stands its chained striker.[1] A Grey Seer will mount the Screaming Bell and preach the will of the Horned Rat to the Skaven army assembled below. The Screaming Bell is also a constant and static part of the varied accounts of Skaven history. The Bell can always be heard over the raging din of a battle and often heralds the defeat of an enemy and the victory of the Skaven.[2]
Construction
Casting one of these infernal bells is undertaken in a 13-day ritual from using warpstone laced bronze which is decorated with many cursed runes, profane inscriptions and symbols. The huge carriage is constructed frcm all manner of materials, including steel, wood, scavenged masonry. [3a]
Powers
When the bell is struck, green sparks fly out and it sounds out with a deafening bass note rolling like thunder, the lesser bells resonating and sounding out in a discordant cacophony across the battlefield. Any spells that are cast at the bell, its crew or those pushing it are likely to be dispelled. [4a] Powerful impacts on the bell can also cause it to ring and unleash its malign powers. [4c]
The effects of the bell grow as it tolls again and again, filling neaby Skaven with glee at the infernal racket whilst discomforting the enemy and make orders imposisble to pass. Horses and other mounts begin to shy and panic at the growing sound whilst stone and metal crack and split as the Skaven are sent into a frenzy. The ground itself begins to split and to the enemy it sounds like millions of rats are scrabbling and squeaking into their ears. Powerful sound waves crash across the battlefield, shattering buildings and war machines alike - finally the Bell itself may split, shattering the eardrums of all nearby. [4c]
Warfare
It is usually pushed to battle by a unit of Clanrats, but if the Grey Seer is particularly favoured by the Council of Thirteen, then it may be escorted by a group of Stormvermin. Those who push the Screaming Bell not only make it mobile, but also are its defenders and will defend it to their deaths.Needs Citation
Weapons and Equipment
- 4th Edition: Crew of Grey Seer and Striker, Stirker is armed with a Doubled Handed Warpstone Hammer. [4a]
- Warpstone Hammer: It mutates enemies it strikes. [4a]
Miniatures
Screaming Bell in Warmaster
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (4th Edition), pg. 26
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (6th Edition), pg. 30
- 3: Uniforms & Heraldry of the Skaven
- 3a: The Grey Seers, pg. 21
- 4: White Dwarf 165 (UK)