The Screaming Bell: A Cacophony of Destruction in Age of Sigmar
The Screaming Bell in Age of Sigmar is far more than just a war machine; it’s a potent symbol of Skaven power, a mobile altar to the Horned Rat, and a terrifying instrument of both destruction and control. It serves as a focal point for Skaven armies, inspiring them to savage heights while simultaneously crushing their enemies underfoot, all while acting as a chariot for a powerful Grey Seer. This monstrous construct is not merely a weapon; it’s a mobile manifestation of Skaven depravity and ambition, blending religious fervor with brutal warfare.
What is the Screaming Bell’s Purpose?
The Screaming Bell’s primary purpose is dual: to bolster the Skaven horde and to decimate their foes. In battle, the bell’s ominous tolling resonates across the battlefield, sending a message of dread to the enemy while fueling the Skaven with a manic frenzy. This deafening sound hardens the hearts of even the most craven Skaven, driving them to feats of reckless violence and savagery. It’s a declaration of Skaven supremacy, both a physical threat and a psychological weapon. Additionally, the bell serves as a platform for a Grey Seer, allowing them to amplify their warpstone-infused magic and direct the flow of battle.
The Screaming Bell itself is a powerful mythological artifact for the Skaven race, a constant reminder of their origins. Its very presence is a symbol of the Skaven’s lust for power and a physical representation of their deity, the Horned Rat. It is not only a weapon of war but also an unholy altar, an object of veneration used by Grey Seers to preach their visions of domination and utter destruction. The bell is often adorned with bones, skulls, and warped metal, making it a truly horrific sight.
The Bell’s Impact in Age of Sigmar
On the tabletop, the Screaming Bell is a devastating unit. Its mere presence enhances the nearby Skaven units, pushing them into a frenzied state of aggression. Its Grey Seer rider wields powerful magic, capable of blasting enemies or boosting the Skaven’s own abilities. Moreover, the bell itself can be used to inflict damage, either by crushing foes beneath its enormous wheels or unleashing sonic blasts with its clanging. The Screaming Bell, therefore, is not a passive piece of terrain, but rather a powerful and active threat on the battlefield, embodying the chaotic nature of the Skaven.
The Screaming Bell is a centerpiece for many Skaven armies, both in terms of its strategic value and its representation of Skaven society. As a focal point for the army, its presence is a powerful symbol of Skaven ambition and malice, making it an excellent unit for armies who want a central, heavy-hitting threat. It’s not just a model on the tabletop; it’s a vehicle for narrative and a demonstration of the Skaven’s relentless, terrifying nature.
The Grey Seer’s Role
The Grey Seer perched atop the Screaming Bell is far from a mere passenger. They are vital to the bell’s effectiveness, using their warpstone-infused magic to further empower the Skaven hordes. They can cast spells that buff their allies, debuff their enemies, or directly inflict devastating damage. Their unique access to the Lore of Ruin makes them incredibly versatile and dangerous spellcasters, and their position on the bell allows them to project their magical power across a wider range.
The Grey Seer’s presence on the bell is not just a convenience; it’s essential for the bell’s spiritual and tactical power. The Seer’s incantations and their connection to the Horned Rat are believed to be the driving force behind the bell’s ability to inspire frenzy and instil fear.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who are the Skaven?
The Skaven are a race of man-sized anthropomorphic rat creatures in Games Workshop’s Warhammer settings, characterized by their numerous ranks, craven nature, and a constant lust for power. They are a plague upon the Old World and now the Mortal Realms, living within the Under-Empire in vast numbers.
2. Are Skaven truly evil?
Yes, Skaven are undeniably evil. They are craven, backstabbing, and incredibly numerous, making them a significant threat in the Warhammer universe. They are driven by greed, a thirst for power, and a deep-seated paranoia that leads them to constantly plot against each other and all other races.
3. Why are Skaven kept a secret?
Reports of “ratmen in the sewers” are often dismissed as sightings of beastmen or mutants. Many in power are either ignorant of the true nature of the Skaven or actively suppress the knowledge because they fear the consequences of openly acknowledging them. The fear is that declaring war on the Skaven might be disastrous due to their vast numbers and the internal conflict it might provoke, so many would rather ignore them completely.
4. Why do the Skaven worship bells?
The Screaming Bell is a constant symbol of the Skaven’s creation-legend and the manifestation of the Horned Rat. It is from these unholy altars that the Grey Seers preach their plans of total domination. These bells are not just ritualistic objects; they are integral to the Skaven’s belief system and a physical representation of their devotion to their malevolent deity.
5. Why doesn’t the Empire openly acknowledge the Skaven?
The political landscape of the Old World (and similar dynamics in the Mortal Realms) means that a unified focus on the Skaven would ironically be dangerous. The reasoning is that Skaven thrive on chaos and infighting. A united front against them might unite the Skaven and make them a far more dangerous threat. The human leaders feel it is more efficient to let the Skaven destroy themselves through their constant infighting.
6. Are Skaven all male?
No. While the vast majority of Skaven seen in battle are male, there are indeed female Skaven, locked away in the deepest parts of the Under-Empire. Their sole purpose is to propagate the species and they are only semi-conscious.
7. What is the Screaming Bell in Warhammer (Fantasy)?
The Screaming Bell in Warhammer Fantasy is the same monstrous artifact as in Age of Sigmar. It’s an unholy battle-altar dedicated to the Horned Rat, pushed by the Skaven horde and bearing a Grey Seer at the front.
8. Where did Skaven come from?
The exact origins of the Skaven are shrouded in mystery. The “Doom of Kavzar,” is the most common reference to their beginnings, a tale of corruption and mutation that suggests they are warped beings from the darkest recesses of the Old World. Their beginnings suggest a twisted existence, far from natural.
9. Do Skaven have red eyes?
Yes, Skaven have glowing red eyes, which can be easily seen in the dark. They also have a rat-like appearance, including fur, claws, a snout, and a tail. The color of their fur dictates their status within Skaven society, with lighter colors often marking more powerful and magically attuned individuals.
10. Are Skaven cannibalistic?
Yes, Skaven are notoriously cannibalistic. They will eat almost anything they can find, including carrion, garbage, and even their own dead. This is often driven by their insatiable hunger and a lack of other readily available food.
11. Why don’t people believe in the true nature of the Skaven?
Most people do not believe in the true extent of the Skaven threat. Even those who believe in their existence struggle to convince others, as speaking out could be interpreted as conspiracy, paranoia, or madness. The secrecy of the Skaven is part of their power, allowing them to thrive in the shadows.
12. Why are Skaven not in Warhammer 40,000?
While Skaven were originally part of early lore for Warhammer 40,000, they were never a threat due to the advanced technology of the Imperium that could easily locate and eliminate them. The lore of Warhammer 40,000 emphasizes technological advancements over the low-tech nature of the Skaven, and the faction was eventually removed.
13. Did the Skaven destroy the world?
Not entirely, but during the End Times, Skaven played a major role in events that nearly led to the world’s destruction. They manipulated Morrslieb, the moon made of warpstone, causing it to crash into the world, leading to massive destruction. However, their actions contributed to the ultimate demise of the Old World, setting the stage for the Age of Sigmar.
14. What language do Skaven speak?
Skaven speak Queekish, a chittering, rapid language full of squeaks and trills. The language is as chaotic as the Skaven themselves, often changing to reflect their volatile emotions and their frantic nature.
15. What does Skaven fur color signify?
The uniform fur color for Skaven indicates their role. Brown fur indicates clanrats or slaves, black fur indicates Stormvermin, grey fur is for Grey Seers, and white fur is seen among the elite guards of the Council of Thirteen. These colors are markers of status in the intricate social hierarchy of Skavendom.
The Screaming Bell is a potent and terrifying symbol of the Skaven menace in Age of Sigmar, representing their chaotic nature, religious zeal, and insatiable hunger for power. Its presence on the battlefield is a force multiplier for the Skaven horde and an absolute nightmare for their enemies.