How Long Do Skaven Live? Unraveling the Lifespan of the Verminous Horde
The lifespan of a Skaven, the rat-like humanoids that plague the Warhammer Fantasy world, is a fascinating subject often tinged with their brutal and chaotic existence. While they are known for their teeming numbers and relentless aggression, their individual lives are generally quite short. On average, a Skaven’s expected lifespan hovers around 20 years. However, this stark figure is largely influenced by the constant internal strife and competition that define their society. Without the ceaseless backstabbing, infighting, and dangerous experiments, Skaven are theorized to have the potential to live well beyond 50 years. This article will delve deep into the factors influencing Skaven lifespan, including the different factors, specific roles, and overall societal influence.
The Average Skaven Lifespan: A Grim Reality
A Life Cut Short
The core issue at the heart of Skaven mortality is their inherently violent and self-destructive nature. Skaven society is a brutal meritocracy where the strong (or cunning) survive and thrive, often at the expense of others. The pervasive treachery, along with the hazards of living in polluted under-cities, contribute heavily to their low life expectancy. Competition for resources, rank, and the favor of superiors is a constant and deadly game. Skaven are not above stabbing each other in the back, literally and figuratively.
Internal Strife and Hazards
Beyond the internal competition, the very environments in which Skaven dwell and operate are fraught with danger. Living in disease-ridden warrens, battling other Skaven clans, and the inherent risks of working with warpstone all contribute to their tragically short lives. The use of untested and often hazardous technologies also accounts for a high mortality rate. Their volatile nature and eagerness for dangerous pursuits further contribute to the problem.
Special Cases: The Exceptions to the Rule
While the average Skaven lifespan is around 20 years, there are exceptions, primarily in the form of specific roles within their society.
Grey Seers: Extended Lifespan Through Dark Arts
One key exception is the Grey Seers. These Skaven sorcerers, attuned to the dark power of the Horned Rat, are known to have a considerably longer lifespan. Despite their frail constitutions, they are able to extend their lives to around 60 years, three times the average Skaven. This is primarily achieved through their mastery of dark magic and warpstone manipulation, which also often grants them a level of social safety. Their connection to the chaos god allows for this longer lifespan and increased influence within their society.
The Role of Warpstone
The heavy use of Warpstone is another major influence on Skaven lifespan. While it fuels their technology and magic, it also carries a multitude of health risks, causing mutations, diseases, and accelerated aging in some cases. Some Skaven, especially those exposed to large amounts of it, will live very short lives as it physically corrupts their body. At the same time, others, like the grey seers, are capable of manipulating it for their own benefit. This element further contributes to the disparity and unpredictability of Skaven mortality.
Clan Moulder: Mutated and Modified
Skaven of Clan Moulder, masters of biological experimentation, are also an exception to this rule, albeit in a very different way. Their creations and heavily modified bodies may allow them to live significantly longer (or shorter) depending on their specific alterations. However, these lifespans are even more erratic than the base Skaven. Their horrific creations are often unstable and unpredictable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Skaven Lifespan
1. How do Skaven reproduce?
Skaven reproduction relies on hidden, bloated female Skaven kept deep within their hives. These females are heavily drugged and exist solely for the purpose of constant breeding.
2. Do Skaven have genders?
Yes, female Skaven exist but are primarily kept for breeding and have a diminished consciousness.
3. What do different fur colors mean for Skaven?
The color of a Skaven’s fur (brown, black, grey, or white) indicates their status in society.
4. Do Skaven have red eyes?
Yes, Skaven have glowing red eyes, which are visible even in the dark.
5. Are Skaven furries?
No. Despite being bipedal creatures with fur, Skaven are not considered furries.
6. Why are Skaven not in Warhammer 40k?
Skaven were originally part of the 40k lore but were removed as the Imperium’s technology made them too easy to locate and eliminate.
7. Are Skaven corrupted by Chaos?
Yes, Skaven are inherently corrupted by chaos, with their connection to the Great Horned Rat.
8. Why can’t Skaven enter Ulthuan?
Ulthuan is a floating island, lacking the underground areas necessary for Skaven to traverse, making it inaccessible to them.
9. How tall are Skaven?
Skaven typically stand between four and six feet tall when not in their usual hunched posture.
10. How intelligent are Skaven?
Skaven possess an intelligence level comparable to that of humans, showcasing potential for advanced thought and problem-solving.
11. Are Skaven evil?
Skaven are considered exceptionally evil, craven, and incredibly numerous, making them a major threat in the Warhammer world.
12. What is a Skaven under-city?
A Skaven under-city is a hidden settlement type constructed beneath existing settlements, often undetected by others.
13. Which Skaven clan is the richest?
Clan Moulder is among the wealthiest of Skaven clans due to their mastery over mutated war beasts and the demand for them.
14. Do Skaven use guns?
Yes, Skaven utilize Warplock Jezzails, long-barreled rifles that fire warpstone projectiles.
15. Who is the Skaven God?
The Skaven god is the Great Horned Rat, a lesser Chaos God seeking to corrupt the Mortal Realms.
Conclusion: The Brief and Brutal Lives of Skaven
In summary, while the typical Skaven life is tragically short, averaging around 20 years due to a harsh and competitive existence, specific roles such as the Grey Seers can live significantly longer. The influence of warpstone and the unique practices of certain clans like Moulder also drastically affect their lifespans. These variations within Skaven society only highlight the chaotic and brutal nature of their existence. Their brevity of life, along with their overwhelming numbers, makes the Skaven one of the most dangerous and intriguing threats to the Warhammer world.