Where did Skaven come from?

Where did Skaven come from?

The Skaven, one of the most feared and reviled races in the Warhammer Fantasy universe, have a complex and troubled history. According to legend, the Skaven are the result of a deliberate act of genetic engineering by the ancient and mysterious Fomorians. These long-lost beings, thought to be the precursors to the Chaos gods, sought to create a slave race that could serve their dark purposes.

Early Origins

The earliest records of the Skaven date back to the dawn of humanity, when they were nothing more than primitive, sewer-dwelling rodents. These early Skaven were the result of cross-breeding between normal rats and other creatures, often with dark and twisted magical arts. Over time, they evolved into a unique and terrifying breed, distinguished by their grotesque appearances, twisted physiques, and unnatural cunning.

The Rise of the Great Horned Rat

One of the most significant figures in Skaven history is the Great Horned Rat, a towering, otherworldly being who claimed to be the founder and leader of the Skaven. The Great Horned Rat was said to possess incredible magical powers, and was worshipped by the Skaven as a god. He oversaw the construction of massive underground cities, such as Skavenblight, and orchestrated the Skaven’s rise to power and dominance.

The First Skaven War

In the early days of human civilization, the Skaven launched a devastating war against humanity. This war, known as the First Skaven War, lasted for decades and left deep scars on both sides. Although the Skaven were eventually defeated, they continued to plot and scheme, eventually launching a second war that would last for centuries.

The War of Darkness

The War of Darkness, also known as the Second Skaven War, was a global conflict that ravaged the world, leaving destruction and chaos in its wake. This war saw the Skaven use their twisted magic to unleash unspeakable horrors upon the world, and was marked by brutal campaigns of terror and slaughter. Although the Skaven were ultimately defeated once more, they continued to threaten humanity, launching periodic invasions and raids.

The Modern Era

In the modern era, the Skaven remain a force to be reckoned with, their twisted city-states and dark cults spreading terror and despair throughout the world. They continue to plot and scheme, seeking to bring about a new era of dominance and destruction.

Subspecies and Cults

The Skaven are divided into several distinct subspecies, each with its own unique characteristics and abilities.

• The Clanrats: The most common form of Skaven, known for their strength, courage, and loyalty.
• The Warpseer: A breed of Skaven with twisted, bulbous eyes and a peculiar, otherworldly sense of intuition.
• The Grey Seers: A group of Skaven who have developed a keen sense of magic and psychic abilities.
• The Deathmaster: A legendary figure among the Skaven, said to possess unmatched cunning and tactical prowess.
• The Cult of the Horned Rat: A dark and twisted religion that worships the Great Horned Rat as a god.

Conclusion

The Skaven are a complex and terrifying race, with a long and bloody history. From their early origins as twisted, sewer-dwelling rodents to their rise to dominance as a force of terror and destruction, the Skaven have always been a menace to humanity. As their dark cults and city-states continue to spread throughout the world, it remains to be seen whether they will ever be defeated or if they will continue to bring about a new era of darkness and despair.

Table: Skaven Subspecies and Cults

Note: The table above provides a brief overview of the Skaven subspecies and cults, highlighting their unique characteristics and abilities.