Who Rules the Skaven? The Hierarchy of the Ratmen Under-Empire
The Skaven, a race of insidious ratmen, are not governed by a single individual, but rather by a complex and often treacherous hierarchy. At the apex of their power structure sits the Council of Thirteen, the true ruling body of the Skaven Under-Empire. However, even within this council, the power dynamics are constantly shifting, making Skaven rule a volatile and dangerous affair. The Council is not a harmonious group; it’s a battleground of egos, ambitions, and ruthless plots where alliances are fluid and betrayal is the norm. Their governance is a twisted reflection of their chaotic nature and constant infighting.
The Council of Thirteen: Lords of Decay
The Council of Thirteen is the ultimate authority in Skaven society, a body comprised of twelve of the most powerful Skaven clan lords, along with a symbolic thirteenth member: the Horned Rat, the Skaven deity. These twelve mortals, known as the “Lords of Decay,” are the absolute elite within the Skaven hierarchy. Their primary concern is the advancement of their individual clans and, consequently, their own power within the Council. The structure of the council is built on a foundation of constant vying for power and influence.
The Symbolic Thirteenth Member
The thirteenth seat, reserved for the Horned Rat, serves as a constant reminder of the Skaven’s fanatical devotion to their deity. It’s a potent symbol of religious authority, adding a layer of divine backing to the Council’s decisions. While the Horned Rat is not physically present, its influence permeates every aspect of Skaven life and the Council’s proceedings. This symbolic seat is a focal point for their beliefs and justifications of their often horrific actions.
The Lords of Decay
The actual members of the Council of Thirteen are not always the same. Powerful Clan leaders rise and fall, sometimes through natural attrition, but more often through treachery and cunning. Each of these “Lords of Decay” heads one of the Skaven’s Great Clans, each with its own unique strengths and specializations. Clans like Moulder, renowned for their grotesque creations, Eshin, masters of assassination, and Skryre, the engineers of terrifying war machines, all seek to influence the Council’s decisions. Their political maneuvering shapes Skaven society.
Clan Influence: Power Beyond the Council
While the Council of Thirteen holds ultimate authority, the power of individual Great Clans often rivals, and sometimes even eclipses, that of the Council. Each Clan operates with considerable autonomy, controlling their own armies, resources, and territories. This clan-based power structure can sometimes lead to internal conflict and open warfare, as clans battle for dominance. The dynamic between the Council and the Clans is a constant dance of ambition and fear.
Clan Moulder: Wealth and Ferocity
Clan Moulder stands out as one of the most powerful and wealthy clans, largely due to the demand for their mutated war-beasts. Their horrific creations give them significant battlefield strength, making other clans hesitant to challenge their position. This wealth and power is a constant reminder of the practical might that the Great Clans can hold.
Clan Eshin: Shadows and Assassination
Clan Eshin, led by Nightlord Sneek (who also holds a seat on the Council of Thirteen), is a secretive clan that specializes in assassination and subterfuge. Their ability to eliminate threats both covertly and brutally gives them immense influence within the Skaven Under-Empire, with the notorious Deathmaster Snikch as Sneek’s primary agent. Their shadowy activities make them vital players in Skaven politics.
Power Dynamics and the Cycle of Betrayal
The rule of the Skaven is never static. Power is constantly being shifted, bargained for, or stolen. Alliances are forged and broken with dizzying speed, and treachery is considered a virtue. This environment of constant betrayal makes it difficult for any one clan or individual to maintain dominance for long. Skaven society’s ruthless competition means even the most powerful are always at risk.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the Skaven and their leadership structure to further illuminate the topic:
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Who is the richest Skaven clan?
Clan Moulder is considered one of the wealthiest due to their control over the grotesque war-beast market. -
Are Skaven and Chaos allies?
Not inherently. While the Skaven’s god, the Horned Rat, is a lesser Chaos God (ascending fully during The End Times), they do not have the same allegiances as other Chaos factions like Beastmen. Skaven primarily serve themselves. -
Who is the leader of Clan Eshin?
The current leader of Clan Eshin is Nightlord Sneek, who is also a member of the Council of Thirteen. -
What is the Skaven religion called?
The Skaven religion is centered around the worship of the Horned Rat. Their sacred number is thirteen. -
Why does the Empire ignore the Skaven?
The Empire often dismisses Skaven reports as sightings of beasts or mutants. An open war against the Skaven could unite them, and it is more resource-efficient to let them fight amongst themselves. -
Can Skaven fall to Chaos?
Skaven are inherently corrupted by Chaos. Warpstone, the lifeblood of their society, is a manifestation of pure Chaos energy. -
Do Skaven have red eyes?
Yes, Skaven have glowing red eyes that are easily seen in the dark. -
Are there Skaven females?
Yes, female Skaven exist, but they are kept hidden, solely for breeding purposes. Their existence is a stark and brutal portrayal of Skaven society. -
Who has Deathmaster Snikch killed?
Deathmaster Snikch is known for killing various notable figures, including Heinrich Frisen and Dwarf Lord Dromgar. -
Do Skaven worship Nurgle?
Some Skaven see Nurgle as a kindred spirit, and some even worship him exclusively, secretly rejecting the Horned Rat. -
Are Skaven immune to Chaos corruption?
Skaven do not suffer public order penalties from Chaos corruption, but their armies still take attrition damage from high levels of Chaos corruption. -
Who is the most powerful Skaven character?
Warlord Queek Headtaker is often regarded as the most powerful Skaven character due to his martial prowess and battle-hardened nature. -
Why are Skaven kept a secret?
Reports of “Ratmen” are often dismissed by the populace. Conspirators believe open warfare would be catastrophic. Skaven prefer working from the shadows. -
What do Skaven do to prisoners?
Skaven keep captive slaves, either as forced labor until they die or as a food source. -
How long do Skaven live?
The average Skaven lives for about 20 years, but could live to 50 years or more without the constant infighting.
Understanding the complex power structure of the Skaven is essential to comprehending their motivations and actions. The Council of Thirteen, the Great Clans, and the undercurrent of betrayal all contribute to the volatile nature of their society, making the Skaven a truly formidable and terrifying force within their world. Their rule is chaotic and unpredictable, much like the ratmen themselves.