Skaven
From Lexicanum
The Skaven are a race of humanoid rat-men, who inhabit the caves, tunnels, mines, and sewers of the Warhammer world. They control a vast Under-Empire which reaches from the Southlands to Kislev and from Estalia to the Far East.
Contents |
Goverment & organization
All Skavendom is ruled by the Council of Thirteen, an assembly of its most powerful leaders. It usually gathers in the Skaven capital of Skavenblight, hidden inside the Blighted Marches in the north of Tilea.
The council maintains a reign of fear and terror in order to keep its control over the numerous, and sometimes too distant, Skaven Clans. Essential for this enterprise are the assassins of Clan Eshin and the Grey Seers, who act as ambassadors and trouble-shooters for the council.
Below the council are an unclear number of Skaven clans, each led by its own Warlord. The four Great Clans, Eshin, Moulder, Skryre, and Pesilens ruthlessly dominate the numerous Warlord Clans and will protect this status-quo by all means neccessary.
Society & culture
Skaven society is ruthless and Skaven young who display physical or mental defects are usually quickly culled. There is almost no mercy for the weak or foolish.
Warpstone is absolutely vital for Skaven society. Warptokens are used as currency and the Grey Seers use it to fuel their magic. Warlock engineers from Clan Skryre need Warpstone as basic ingredients while Clan Pestilens needs it for their magical diseases and Clan Moulder needs for the breeding of their prized warbeasts. The Skaven affirm that all Warpstone rightfully belongs to them, given by the will of the Horned Rat.
Religion & magic
The Skaven only worship the Horned Rat. The Grey Seers are his priests and prophets, and are the only kind of magicians in all Skavendom.
Military
The Skaven army is made up of several infantry units supported by several war machines. It has no cavalry units or field artillery whatsoever.
