The Twisted Origins of the Skaven: Unveiling the Ratmen’s Dark Past
Fast answer first. Then use the tabs or video for more detail.
- Watch the video explanation below for a faster overview.
- Game mechanics may change with updates or patches.
- Use this block to get the short answer without scrolling the whole page.
- Read the FAQ section if the article has one.
- Use the table of contents to jump straight to the detailed section you need.
- Watch the video first, then skim the article for specifics.
The question of where the Skaven come from is shrouded in a mixture of in-universe speculation and the grim realities of Warhammer Fantasy lore. While their precise origins remain a point of contention among Imperial scholars and even Skaven themselves, the most accepted narrative is that they were created by Fronos, a being tasked with organizing the small things of the world. This act of organization, however, went horribly wrong, resulting in the birth of a sentient, malevolent, and multiplying race of rat-men. So, in essence, the Skaven are a chaotic byproduct of cosmic order, a twisted reflection of the world’s balance gone awry. They are not naturally occurring rats, nor are they simply mutated humans or beastmen, but something far more disturbing and unique. The chaotic essence, later identified as Warpstone, played a critical role in their genesis and continued mutation, cementing their position as a scourge upon the Old World.
The Genesis of the Verminous Tide
The Skaven’s emergence is not a story of gradual evolution, but rather a swift and catastrophic creation. Fronos’s attempts to bring order to the small things instead created a race whose nature was inherently chaotic and selfish. This initial spark of creation was then fueled by the dark energies of Warpstone, the physical manifestation of Chaos, which saturated the tunnels and cities they called home. It is this Warpstone that is responsible for their rapid mutation and development of their twisted physiology. The first true Skaven emerged around c. -1600, quickly establishing Skavenblight as their capital and a breeding ground for their expansion, where they began to experiment with magic and solidify their position as a threat. This early period saw the Skaven developing their distinctive hierarchical society, based on cunning, strength, and magical ability, a system that would drive their constant internal conflicts.
Skaven: More Than Just Rats
The Skaven are not just large, mutated rats. They are a highly complex society with a detailed structure, their own language (Queekish), and an insatiable drive for conquest and survival. They demonstrate a rat-like appearance, including fur, claws, a snout, and a tail, but their ability to stand upright on two legs and their cunning intellect sets them apart from mere animals. The color of their fur is a societal indicator: brown is common for clanrats and skavenslaves, black denotes the elite Stormvermin, grey is the mark of Grey Seers, and white is reserved for the elite guards of the Council of 13. Furthermore, their glowing red eyes are an ominous hallmark, a beacon in the darkness of their subterranean lairs.
A Culture of Chaos and Conflict
The Skaven culture is one of constant backstabbing, conflict, and relentless ambition. They are driven by a fervent belief in the Great Horned Rat, their unholy god, a being that embodies the chaos and corruption that fuels their very existence. Their society is built upon a brutal hierarchy, where strength and cunning are the only routes to advancement. This brutal competition means that the Skaven are as much a danger to themselves as they are to the other races of the Old World, leading to endless internal wars and power struggles. The Skaven tendency to repeat words in their language is one example of the erratic and frenzied nature of the Skaven. This culture breeds a unique brand of warfare, a chaotic swarm of vermin propelled by fear, ambition, and the relentless pursuit of power.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the main theories about Skaven origins besides Fronos?
While the Fronos creation narrative is the most widely accepted origin, some Imperial scholars speculate that they may be related to the Beastmen, or even mutated and evolved versions of normal rats. However, these theories are less accepted within the established lore.
2. How did Warpstone influence Skaven development?
Warpstone, the physical manifestation of raw chaos, is critical. It caused their mutations, allowing for the diversity in Skaven physiology and power. It also fuelled their magical abilities and continues to play a central role in their society and warfare.
3. Why aren’t Skaven in Warhammer 40,000?
Skaven were originally considered for Warhammer 40,000, but were ultimately omitted. The reason is that the Imperium’s technology was deemed too advanced, and the Skaven’s stealthy tactics would be ineffective against them, making them too easy to detect and eliminate.
4. What is Skavenblight?
Skavenblight is the capital of the Skaven empire and is their first major settlement. It is a sprawling, chaotic city of filth and corruption, located far below the surface of the earth. It is the center of their power and where their society was initially formed.
5. Why does the Empire often ignore Skaven sightings?
The Empire largely ignores Skaven due to a combination of disbelief and strategic reasoning. They are seen as a fringe threat; to acknowledge them is to potentially unify the Skaven against a common foe. It is believed it is more efficient to allow them to kill each other rather than risk open war.
6. Do all Skaven have red eyes?
Yes, all Skaven have glowing red eyes which are a hallmark of the race and a trait that allows them to see well in dark and subterranean environments.
7. Why can’t Skaven reach Ulthuan?
Ulthuan is an island continent that is not connected to the same system of underground passages as the rest of the Old World. Its magical nature makes it impenetrable to Skaven and Beastmen, who use those passages for travel.
8. Did the Skaven destroy the world?
While they did not entirely destroy the world, they played a significant role in the End Times, dragging the warpstone moon, Morrslieb, closer to the Old World. This event caused great destruction, including the devastation of Lustria and the Southlands, only barely averted by Lord Kroak and other heroes.
9. Can AI see Skaven Under-Cities?
No, Skaven Under-Cities are initially hidden from the AI and other players. Their locations can be discovered, with the likelihood increasing as the discoverability of the Under-City rises.
10. How long do Skaven typically live?
The average Skaven lifespan is about 20 years, although they could live longer if it were not for their constant internal conflicts.
11. What is the richest Skaven Clan?
Clan Moulder is one of the wealthiest due to their control over the production and sale of mutated war-beasts, which are highly sought after by other Skaven clans.
12. Why are the Skaven kept a secret?
The reason for keeping them a secret is because the widespread belief is that the reports of ‘Ratmen in the sewers’ are mere sightings of Beastmen or mutants. Those who are aware of the Skaven consider that an open war would be disastrous.
13. Are Skaven always evil?
Yes, Skaven are considered inherently evil. They are driven by selfish ambition, a lust for power, and a chaotic nature. They are one of the primary antagonists of the Old World.
14. Are Skaven cannibalistic?
Yes, Skaven are cannibalistic. They eat practically anything, including carrion, garbage, and even their own dead. They also hunt and consume other creatures.
15. How do Skaven reproduce?
Female Skaven are hidden away in the depths of Skaven hives. They are bloated, drugged, and continuously forced to reproduce. They have no other role in Skaven society.
The Skaven are a unique and terrifying element of the Warhammer Fantasy universe, a race of rat-men brought forth from chaotic origins and fueled by the dark energies of Warpstone. Their constant internal conflicts, combined with their relentless pursuit of power and dominion, make them a constant and unpredictable threat to the Old World. Their dark origins are just the beginning of their chaotic saga, a tale that continues to evolve and horrify with each passing age.