Skaven
A horde of rat-men plotting the world's doom from the shadows.
The Skaven are a race of intelligent, rat-like humanoids who dwell primarily beneath the surface of the world. Driven by paranoia and ambition, they serve the Horned Rat, a dark deity promising power to those cunning enough to seize it. In the Total War series, they represent a chaotic force that seeks to overwhelm opponents through sheer numbers, guerrilla tactics, and crude but effective technology.
- Deity
- The Horned Rat
- Habitat
- Under-Empire & Warrens
- Alignment
- Chaos (Skaven)
- Population
- Millions (Uncounted)
- Technology
- Gunpowder & Steam
- Status
- Active Threat
Lore & Background
Originating from the corruption of Chaos, Skaven hide in vast subterranean networks known as Warrens. They are organized into warring Clans that constantly scheme against one another while outwardly presenting a united front when threatened by surface dwellers. Their society is built on cruelty and utility; the weak are eaten or used as fodder for their experiments. Despite their infighting, they possess advanced technology far beyond human understanding, utilizing steam power, gunpowder, and warpstone to fuel their machines. Plague Monks spread disease to weaken enemies from within, while Stormvermin lead the charge with disciplined ferocity. Their ultimate goal remains the same: total domination of the surface world through the Great Work.
In Their Own Story
The tunnel was damp and smelled of rotting grain. A single lantern flickered as the Warlord whispered orders to his clanrats. Above, the stone ceiling vibrated with the marching boots of an enemy army unaware of the trap below. The Skaven grinned, sharpening their claws. Tonight, the surface would know fear.
Reader's Guide
Originating from the depths of Chaos, the Skaven thrive on corruption and numbers. In Total War, they play as a swarm faction, relying on cheap infantry to overwhelm foes while using artillery to soften defenses. Their unique ability is tunneling in certain campaigns, allowing surprise attacks behind enemy lines. Key units include Warpfire Throwers for area damage and Stormvermin for elite shock troops. Skavenslaves are expendable fodder used to soak up arrows. Campaign objectives often involve spreading corruption across the map or securing key underground hubs to boost recruitment and technology research. Players must manage internal Clan politics, as infighting can weaken their armies if not handled correctly. Victory usually comes from grinding down opponents through attrition and technological superiority rather than heroic duels. They excel at siege warfare due to their engineering capabilities, often bypassing walls entirely.
Did You Know?
- Skaven worship the Horned Rat, a manifestation of Chaos.
- They use Warpstone to power technology but it causes mutations.
- Plague Monks spread disease that weakens enemy armies over time.
- Clanrats are the most numerous infantry unit in their army.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the Skaven in Warhammer Total War?
The Skaven are a swarm of rat-like humanoids who plot from vast underground warrens to overrun the surface world. In the Total War games they play as a chaotic, numbers-driven faction that overwhelms opponents through guerrilla tactics and sheer volume.
Which god do the Skaven worship?
The Skaven serve the Horned Rat, a dark deity who promises power and supremacy to those cunning enough to seize it. Their entire society is organized around the belief that outmaneuvering rivals earns the Rat's favor.
What technology do the Skaven bring to the battlefield?
Despite their crude, makeshift appearance, the Skaven have independently developed gunpowder weapons and steam-driven machinery. This gives their armies a deceptively potent mix of explosive firepower and mechanical shock.
How does the Skaven playstyle differ from other factions?
Their strategy revolves around flooding the field with waves of cheap units while using hit-and-run guerrilla tactics to harass and outflank the enemy. They thrive on chaos and attrition rather than holding a single disciplined front.
Where do the Skaven live and how large is their population?
The Skaven dwell in the Under-Empire, a sprawling labyrinth of warrens carved deep beneath the world's surface. Their population is essentially uncountable, which keeps them a constant and active threat to every surface civilization.
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