Skavenslave
Skavenslaves, sometimes called Clanrat Slaves, form the very bottom rank of society in the hierarchy of the Skaven Clans. [3]
They occupy a cruel and miserable position, but an essential one, for Skaven society is run by their unceasing labor. They carry out all menial labor, including mining, tunneling and food production.[4a]
The slave class is made up of Skaven born into bondage, along with the remnants of a fallen Skaven clan enslaved by the victorious rival, and even non-Skaven. During wartime they are put to use as expendable cannon fodder, driven to the fore of an assault, mainly to absorb enemy fire or to tire the foe before the "real" attack. If some of them manage to take down a few of the enemy, this is considered a bonus.[1][2][3]
Races
Many races labour in the Under Empire, working side by side but few last more than a year. It is rare for non-skaven slaves to be used in battle as there is too much risk that they might instead turn on their masters or flee. [7]
Slaves life
All clans reat their slaves harshly, but the worst life is said to be in Clan Pestilens who quickly succumb to their masters diseases The fiercest and most hardy of their kind are the Chained Ones - former Warlord Clans who lost to Pestilens.[8]
- Approximately one hour before Dawn: The Slavemasters wake the slaves, those who fail to respond or merely draw their ire are ripped to pieces, thrown to Rat Ogres or burnt alive. [7]
- Dawn: They are set to work and will be required to do so for sixteen hours before being fed - usually the slop includes those who were killed earlier. Not enough food is given for all the slaves and so fights break out with the weakest often being devoured as well. Slaves will resume work after about an hour but the strongest will then be taken away to serve as fodder in Stormvermin training sessions. [7]
- About three hours before Dawn: Slaves are manacled together and left to sleep in their work area. Often racial tensions resurface in this time and the hungry attack the weaker survivors. [7]
Weapons and Equipment
- 2nd Edition: Hand Weapon. Led by a Warrior Skaven. May have Halberd, Shield. May have Musician and Standard Bearer. Slaves are manacled. [6a]
- 3rd Edition: Hand Weapon, may have Shield, Sling, Spear. May have Musician, Standard Bearer. [3]
- 4th Edition: Hand Weapon, may have Shield, Sling, Spear. [5a]
Gallery
Bonefodder of Clan Mordkin
Chained Ones of Clan Pestilens
A Skavenslave
Miniatures
Skavenslaves
Skavenslaves with slings
Slaves with slings
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (6th Edition), pg. 11
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (7th Edition), pg. 36
- 3: Warhammer Armies (3rd Edition), pg. 84
- 4: Warhammer Armies (3rd Edition)
- 4a: Skavenslaves, pg. 55
- 5: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (4th Edition)
- 5a: The Army List, pg. 65
- 6: Ravening Hordes (2nd Edition)
- 6a: Skaven Army List, pg. 33
- 7: White Dwarf 230 (UK), Skavenslaves, pg. 30-31
- 8: Warhammer: Thanquol: The Heralds of corruption, pg. 26
