Who is the Most Powerful Skaven Character?
The question of who reigns supreme among the Skaven is a complex one, steeped in backstabbing, raw power, and a healthy dose of chaotic warpstone magic. However, if we’re to name the most powerful Skaven character, the title arguably belongs to Lord Skrolk, the Great Plague Priest of Clan Pestilens. While other Skaven might possess greater raw combat prowess, or wield more potent magic in a single blast, Skrolk’s influence, power, and lasting impact on Skaven society and the Old World solidify his position as arguably the most potent individual. His mastery of disease, strategic brilliance, and the sheer devastation he can unleash makes him a terrifying force.
Skrolk’s Unique Power and Influence
Skrolk isn’t simply a powerful warrior; he is a living vector of plague and destruction. He is not one for the front lines, instead, he orchestrates his chaos from the shadows, using his immense knowledge of plagues and pestilence to devastating effect. He is the highest-ranking plague priest, a living embodiment of Clan Pestilens’ depravity, and possesses a unique blend of power:
- Master of Disease: Skrolk’s body constantly exudes lethal contagions. His very presence can wither vegetation and sicken those around him. He concocts unique and terrifying plagues that can decimate entire cities, making him a living weapon of mass destruction.
- Strategic Genius: Skrolk is not just a bringer of disease. He is a cunning strategist who understands how to use plagues to demoralize and weaken his enemies before an army of Skaven even arrives. He masterminds complex plots that involve the spread of disease through various populations, preparing the ground for conquests.
- Warpstone Infusion: Like many Skaven, Skrolk has been imbued with raw warpstone power, amplifying his plague abilities and giving him an unnatural resilience to the very diseases he creates. This makes him a formidable foe in any close-quarters combat situation, although he prefers not to engage directly.
- Clan Pestilens’ Leader: As the chief figure of Clan Pestilens, Skrolk commands a legion of plague monks, priests, and acolytes completely devoted to the proliferation of their unique brand of death and destruction. He can deploy his clan’s strength to achieve objectives that would be impossible for any other Skaven clan.
While a Verminlord Warpseer might unleash more immediate magical devastation, or a Skaven Warlord might be a superior melee fighter, Skrolk’s long-term strategic influence through disease is far more devastating, impactful, and ultimately, more dangerous. His ability to cripple entire regions before a single soldier is committed puts him in a league of his own.
Why Not Other Skaven?
One might ask why other powerful Skaven figures aren’t considered the most powerful, including:
- Verminlord Warpseers: Powerful magic users who can bend the fabric of reality, however, they are more focused on raw destructive power and less so in the systematic and strategic manner that Skrolk operates.
- Skaven Warlords: Often excellent fighters with leadership capabilities, but they are far too focused on personal glory and martial might.
- Deathmaster Snikch: A supremely deadly assassin, his power is in the individual kills rather than influencing the Skaven empire as a whole.
These figures are powerful in their own right, but none of them possess the unique combination of plague mastery, strategic thinking, and raw, warping power that defines Lord Skrolk. Ultimately, power among the Skaven is measured in the devastation they inflict, and Skrolk’s capability of toppling cities and bringing ruin to civilizations with a single concoction of plague places him at the top.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the average lifespan of a Skaven?
The average Skaven has a lifespan of around 20 years. However, some can live well past 50 if not for the constant infighting and violence of their society.
Why are Skaven kept secret?
Many do not believe the true nature of the Skaven, seeing reports of “ratmen” as simply sightings of beastmen or mutants. Additionally, there are those who believe that a full-scale war against the Skaven would be devastating.
What is Warpstone?
Warpstone is a solid form of raw Chaos energy, imbued with immense power and corrupting influence. It is highly prized by the Skaven and is the source of much of their technology and sorcery.
Why do Skaven have red eyes?
Skaven have glowing red eyes, which allow them to see in the dark of their tunnels and sewers.
What is the largest Skaven unit?
The largest Skaven beast is the Hell Pit Abomination, a nightmarish, flesh-and-bone construct created by Clan Moulder.
Which Skaven clan is the wealthiest?
Clan Moulder is one of the wealthiest of all Skaven clans due to the high demand for their monstrous creations, such as the Rat Ogres and Hell Pit Abominations.
Do Skaven worship Nurgle?
While the primary deity of the Skaven is the Great Horned Rat, some Skaven, particularly those of Clan Pestilens, also secretly worship Nurgle, the Chaos God of disease and decay.
Why are there no Skaven in Warhammer 40k?
Though originally part of the lore, the Skaven were never introduced as a faction in Warhammer 40k due to technological advancements by the Imperium rendering them too easy to locate and eliminate.
Can Skaven fall to Chaos?
Skaven are corrupted by Chaos as the Warpstone they utilize is the physical form of Chaos energy. Their god, the Great Horned Rat, is a lesser Chaos God.
How intelligent are Skaven?
The average Skaven is as intelligent as humans. However, their society and ingrained malice usually prevent them from reaching their full intellectual potential.
What are Skaven Under-Cities?
Skaven Under-Cities are hidden settlements built beneath existing settlements. They are not visible to other players or the AI unless discovered.
Why is there no Skaven in Ulthuan?
Ulthuan, the home of the High Elves, is a floating island. As such, it doesn’t have the underground networks that Skaven and Beastmen typically utilize for traversal.
Why do some Skaven have horns?
Skaven with horns are typically the priests of the Great Horned Rat, known as Grey Seers. These horns, along with the color of their fur, signify their high status and connection to their deity.
Is Skaven a furry?
Despite being bipedal, fur-covered creatures, Skaven are not furries. They are malevolent, self-serving, and terrifying monsters.
Did Skaven destroy the world?
In the End Times of Warhammer Fantasy, the Skaven played a crucial role in destroying the world, including blowing up the moon, shattering the planet, and opening the way for the Chaos Gods to physically manifest.