Skaven, Stormvermin



Climate / Terrain: Any Subteranean
Frequency: Vary Rare
Organization: Pack
Activity Cycle: Nocturnal
Diet: Carnivore
Intelligence: Average
Treasure:
Alignment: Lawful Evil
Number Appearing: 1d4
Armor Class: 2 (8)
Move: 15, Leap 12
Hit Dice: 5+
ThAC0: 16
Number of Attacks: 3
Damage per Attack: 1d4+1, 1d4+1, 1d6+2 or by weapon type
Special Attacks: Leap, Disease, Attack as fighter of the same level
Special Defenses: +3 versus natural disease, +1 versus magical disease, Move Silently: 50%, Hide in Shadows, 60%
Magic Resistance: 10%
Size: M (6' Tall)
Morale: Fanatic (17-18)
XP Value:



Stormvermin have 2 traits in common. 1) They appear as larger skaven. And 2) they all have black fur. They are the elite warriors / shock troops of the skaven race. They are bred to fight and are never encountered as leaders within the skaven society.

Combat

Skaven can attack using weapons or by using their claws and teeth. When using their natural weapons a save versus poison must be made. If successful, nothing further happens. If it is failed the victem has contracted a virulent disease. It causes the loss of 1 point of constitution and strength per day. A new save may be made each day (apply any penalties from lowered constitution). Lost points are regained at the rate of one per day. That is one point of strength OR constitution. Not both.

Skaven can leap 10' forward, 5' straight up or 5' straight back from a standing start. They can leap 20' forward or 10' straight up with a running start. This counts as charging if used in combat.

Habitat / Society

Not much is known of the skaven. They appeared out of the swamps of the Abyss (it is beleived) and have been trying to conquer the multiverse ever since. They attack through a city's sewers spreading disease and pestilence long before they actually try to invade.

It is known that the skaven worship a being known as the Great Horned Rat, beleved to be a former Tanar'ri Lord who has acheived godhood. They regularly scrifice large numbers of slaves and prisoners to him hoping to gain his favor. Wether this works or not is irrelevant.

The skaven are led by the Council of Thirteen. The Council of Thirteen consists of 12 Skaven Liches and The Great Horned Rat. Any skaven can challenge one of the Skaven Liches for the right to be on the council. Success means an immediate transformation into a skaven liche. Failure means instant death. No one has successfully challenged a council member in living memory and won.

Skaven, unlike most of the evil races, seek to conquer the multiverse through the gate towns located in the Outlands. While they are willing to attack cities on other planes, they concentrate their efforts on the Outlands. No skaven has ever been reported in Sigil, it is beleived that they fear the Lady of Pain far more than they fear the retribution of their leaders.

Ecology

Stormvermin are bred solely for combat. They have no other function within skaven society. There a rumors of a white furred version who protect the temples, but no one has been able to confirm this.


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