Under-Empire
The Under-Empire is the network of Skaven tunnels and strongholds that stretches all across the Warhammer world. [3a]
Skaven settlements are filthy, crowded places where even the majority of ratmen are always close to starvation - the smallest and weakest are often consumed by the stronger. [3a]
Overview
Although the majority of Skaven Strongholds are situated in the Old World, the tunnels stretch under Araby, the Southlands, the Dark Lands, Lustria, Naggaroth and even distant Cathay. [3a] No continent except Ulthuan remains untouched.[1a] This is because the Skaven cannot penetrate the magical defences, and there are creatures that can detect even the stealthiest Clan Eshin assassin.[1h] However, it is only a matter of time before the Council of Thirteen find a way.
Only the Dwarfs have the faintest knowledge of how large the Under-Empire truly is.[1a] Many Dwarf Holds have already been lost to the Skaven, whilst the rest are constantly under siege from below. Even the lower levels of Karaz-a-Karak, the Dwarf capital, are sealed and guarded to prevent the Skaven rising up to destroy the city.[1g]
Likewise, the realms of men are riddled with Skaven tunnels.[1a] Most men remain completely unaware of this, but whether this is due to simple ignorance or the magic of the Grey Seers is unknown.[1e] Regardless, the Skaven have major lairs underneath Nuln, Marienburg and Middenheim in the Empire, Brionne and Quenelles in Bretonnia, Miragliano in Tilea. Almost every city of the world has a skaven settlement beneath it from which the ratmen drag the poor and homeless down below. [3a]
There are even spyposts beneath the Marauder camps in the Northern Wastes.[1a]
Major Skaven strongholds
- Skavenblight - The capital city of the Skaven, probably the former city of Kavzar where it is believed the Skaven race was born.[1d][1i]
- City of Pillars - The Skaven name for Karak Eight Peaks, which fell to the Skaven in -513 IC[1b][1i]
- Cripple Peak - Formerly the site of Nagashizzar, this stronghold was destroyed when Nagash returned from death for the second time in -100 IC.[1f][1i]
- Crookback Mountain - A major Under-way hub ruled by Clan Rictus. All Skaven wishing to gain access to the Dark Lands must pass through Crookback Mountain.[1c]
- Hell Pit - The home of Clan Moulder in the north of Troll Country.[1c]
- Lair-Nests of the Dark Lands
- The Nest-Ports
- Under-Altdorf: One of the largest Skaven cities of the Under-Empire, buried deep beneath the capital of the Empire, Altdorf. [2]
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (7th Edition)
- 2: Warhammer Chronicles: Thanquol and Boneripper (anthology): Grey Seer (Novel)
- 3: White Dwarf 302 (UK)