Clan Darkborn

History of Clan Darkborn

"We climb from shadows darkness, Darkborn shall rule it all and destroy all who defies it!"

Origins of Clan Darkborn

Clan Darkborn is one of the most feared and ruthless Skaven clans, known for its cruelty, strength, and mastery of the dark arts. The clan originated deep in the Underdark, in a desolate region called the Shadow Warrens, where resources were scarce, and survival meant eliminating rivals. From this harsh environment, Clan Darkborn rose to power by combining brutal warfare with insidious cunning.

Their name, "Darkborn," reflects their origin and ethos—they believe themselves to be born from the very essence of darkness, destined to dominate all who dwell in the shadows. Their warriors are heavily armed and trained, and their sorcerers wield dark and forbidden magic.

Skrul Darkborn, The One Eye

Skrul Darkborn, the current leader of the clan, is one of the most infamous Warlords in Skaven history and a member of the prestigious Council of Thirteen, representing the military might of the Skaven race. Skrul is a massive, battle-scarred Skaven, known for his missing left eye, which was lost during a brutal duel with a rival warlord. His surviving eye burns with a terrifying red glow, said to be a gift from the Great Horned Rat Spleet.

Skrul is a master tactician and a fearsome warrior, wielding the Doomfang, a jagged glaive crafted with Starmetal that radiates with dark energy. He rose to power by eliminating his rivals in a bloody campaign, cementing his rule through fear and overwhelming force. Skrul is renowned for his cruelty, often making examples of disloyal subjects by subjecting them to horrific punishments.

Culture of Clan Darkborn

Clan Darkborn thrives on power, fear, and absolute obedience to its leader. The clan's warriors are among the most disciplined and ruthless in Skaven society, and its sorcerers are feared for their mastery of forbidden Dark Blood magic.

Beliefs and Practices

1. Worship of the Shadow Aspect: Clan Darkborn venerates a darker interpretation of the Great Horned Rat Spleet, seeing it as a goddess of shadows, chaos, and vengeance.
2. The Eye of Skrul: A cult-like reverence surrounds Skrul’s missing eye, with his followers believing it symbolizes his divine connection to the Great Horned Rat Spleet.
3. Trials of Darkness: Initiates must survive gruelling trials in complete darkness, battling monstrous creatures and each other to prove their worth.

Territory and Stronghold

Clan Darkborn rules from Shadowfang Bastion, a massive fortress built into the walls of a colossal Underdark chasm. The bastion is a labyrinth of tunnels, traps, and fortifications, designed to repel even the most determined invaders. The clan also controls several nearby settlements and mines, which supply them with resources.

Enemies and Allies

Enemies

1. Drow Houses: The Drow see Clan Darkborn as a dangerous rival in the Underdark and frequently engage in skirmishes with them.
2. The Council of Thirteen: While Skrul is a member of the council, his ambition to claim supreme leadership makes him a threat to the other Lords.

Allies

1. The Handdite Cults: Skrul has forged pacts with several minor daemon cults, gaining access to forbidden knowledge and infernal power.

1. Clan Fangmaw: Skrul has forged an alliance with Vreshka Fangmaw of Clan Fangmaw after their display at Rat Pitt.

The Darkborn Family

Skrul’s family holds key positions within the clan, ensuring his iron rule and continuing his legacy of cruelty and ambition.

1. Vriska Darkborn
   Role: Mistress of Shadows
   Vriska is Skrul’s mate and a cunning manipulator who controls the clan’s intelligence network. She is a master of intrigue and deception, often orchestrating assassinations and betrayals to maintain Skrul’s power.
2. Karrek Darkborn
   Role: Heir and Clawlord
   The eldest son, Karrek, is a fearsome warrior and Skrul’s chosen heir. He leads the clan’s Blackfang Legion, an elite warband known for their brutal efficiency. Karrek wields a bloodsteel axe and dreams of surpassing his father’s achievements.
3. Lirrik Darkborn
   Role: Shadowcaster
   The second son, Lirrik, is a gifted sorcerer who specializes in shadow magic and blood magic rituals. He assists the clan’s warlocks in creating devastating magical weapons and plagues.
4. Nyss Darkborn
   Role: Assassin Matriarch
   Skrul’s eldest daughter, Nyss, oversees the clan’s assassins, known as the Fangshadows. She is deadly with a pair of poisoned daggers and has personally eliminated many of Skrul’s enemies.
5. Threk Darkborn
   Role: Beastmaster
   The youngest son, Threk, trains and controls the clan’s war beasts, including their prized Bloodfang Rats, massive Rat Wolves creatures bred for battle.
6. Zyra Darkborn
   Role: Keeper of Secrets
   The youngest daughter, Zyra, is a mysterious figure who serves as the clan’s archivist and seer. She is believed to have visions granted by the Great Horned Rat Spleet, guiding Skrul’s strategies.

Legacy and Ambitions

Under Skrul Darkborn’s leadership, the clan has risen to become one of the most powerful and feared in Skaven society. With his family supporting him, Skrul dreams of overthrowing the Council of Thirteen and establishing himself as the supreme ruler of the Skaven.

Clan Darkborn’s legacy is one of darkness, domination, and terror, as they seek to spread their influence across the Underdark and beyond, leaving a trail of destruction in their wake.