Does the Empire believe in Skaven?
The Skaven, as a species, are hidden from the mortal world’s gaze, dwelling in the dark, damp recesses of the under-Empire. For centuries, the Empire has been vaguely aware of their existence but has largely dismissed the scattered reports of "Ratmen in the sewers" as mere rumor. However, this dismissal speaks volumes about the Empire’s understanding of the Skaven and their true nature. In this article, we will delve into the complexity of the Empire’s believes about the Skaven.
The Initial Encounter and the Skaven’s Conundrum
The Imperium of Man’s fascination with the Skaven, or rather, their acknowledgment of the Skaven’s existence, began with the unearthing of ancient rituals and artifacts in the lands of the East. From these discoveries, the Administratum pieced together clues about the Skaven’s deities, rituals, and societal structure. Initially, the Empire saw the Skaven as mere "Sewer Rats," a nuisance to be swiftly eliminated. This lackadaisical approach stemmed not only from the Empire’s vast territorial ambitions but also from their own self-perceived superiority.
The Grey Sisters and the Unveiled Truth
However, rumors of the Skaven persisting in the shadows crept into the ears of the Grey Sisters, specifically the Sisters of the Blood, who dedicated themselves to uncovering the mysteries beneath the surface. These radical Sisters, armed with pious fervor and steely resolve, infiltrated the under-Empires, gathering evidence of Skaven existence, culture, and society. The consequences of their findings shook the very foundations of the Faith and the Imperium of Man.
The Factions and the Great Devourer
As bold whispers of demonic pacts and unsacred rituals spread, the Imperium of Man found itself enthralled by the possibilities of harnessing Skaven power. Factions both within and outside the Sororitas clamored to exploit the Skaven as a means to gain mastery over the under-Empires. This newfound desperation led to a subtle alteration in the Empire’s overall perception of the Skaven. No longer seen simply as pests, the Imperium began to regard Skaven as vaguely intelligent, as if their understanding of divinity and magic had tapped into a realm beyond human comprehension.
| Faction | Interest in the Skaven |
|---|---|
| Orders of the Blood | Investigation into Skaven culture and rituals; potential allies against the ruinous powers |
| The Administratum | Strategic positioning to harness Skaven forces for Imperial interests |
The Unsettled Truth and the Imperious Ignorance
Beneath the veneer of Imperial interest lies unsettling concern. The Imperium can neither fully comprehend nor accurately categorize the Skaven. Their own scriptures dictate that the Skaven cannot be tainted, yet they seem to crave the power offered by corrupting pacts. To reconcile this dichotomy, the Imperium employs denial, downplaying the veracity of the Skaven’s existence. The sheer complexity of Skaven behavior and the unspoken rules governing their society further deepen the Empire’s understanding-void.
The Culmination of Knowledge
Faced with the conflux of contradictory truths, many within the Imperium turned to the Grey Sisters. These radical Sisters, still reeling from their early discoveries, embarking on a journey towards understanding the Skaven for what they truly are- a species driven by contradictory forces. This path for the Sisters would eventually split them from the Sororitas, leading to separate factions, as seen here:
| Faction | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Council of the Grey | Skaven divination, forbidden lore pursuit |
| Assembly of the Sisters | Tainted powers, corruption |
Throughout this article, we delved into the intricacy of the Empire’s view on the Skaven- a species of rat creatures dwelling in the shadows beneath the Imperium’s feet. Ignorance and fear played a significant role in dismissing the Skaven’s reported existence, only for whispered rumors to re-inspire Imperial curiosity- and fear. As such, the Imperium walked a tightrope balancing vaguely acknowledged Skaven existence versus the unspoken need to silently dismiss them.
How do you perceive the actions of the Empire in relating to the Skaven species?