We are the Skaven, the mighty and cunning ratmen of the Under-Empire! Born from the shadows of the Under-Empire, we scurry, scheme, and plot, driven by our insatiable hunger for power and domination.
With our sharp teeth and clever minds, we seek to overthrow the weak and claim the world above for ourselves.
Our armies are vast, filled with countless Warplock Jezzails, Clanrat hordes, and fearsome War Engines! Betrayal and treachery are our ways, and we revel in chaos.
Who Are the Skaven?
The Skaven are a treacherous and cunning faction in the Age of Sigmar, known as the ratmen of the Under-Empire.
They are a race of malevolent humanoid rodents that thrive in the darkness, constantly plotting to expand their dominion over the realms.
Organized into powerful clans, such as Clan Skryre and Clan Moulder, the Skaven utilize a mix of advanced warpstone technology and sheer numbers to overwhelm their enemies.
With their insatiable hunger for power and chaos, they employ guerrilla tactics, ambushes, and betrayal as their primary strategies. The Skaven embody the essence of deceit and treachery, making them a formidable force in any conflict.
What Are Skaven Army Strengths?
The Skaven army excels in numbers and versatility, often overwhelming opponents with sheer mass and a variety of unit types.
Their ability to deploy ambush tactics and summon reinforcements allows them to control the battlefield unpredictably, making them adept at flanking and disrupting enemy plans. Units like Stormvermin and Warplock Jezzails provide both melee and ranged capabilities, creating a balanced force.
However, the Skaven also have significant weaknesses. Many of their units are fragile, lacking in durability, and can crumble under sustained fire.
Additionally, their reliance on warpstone technology can lead to unpredictable outcomes, such as misfires or backfires, which can turn the tide against them if not managed carefully.
Where Should Beginners Start?
If you’re starting your collection of Skaven as a beginner, consider these key models:
- Clanrats: These basic infantry units form the backbone of any Skaven army. They are numerous and can hold objectives while overwhelming opponents with their sheer numbers.
- Stormvermin: A step up from Clanrats, these elite troops are more durable and capable in combat, providing a solid frontline for your army.
- Warplock Jezzails: These ranged units are excellent for picking off enemy targets from a distance, adding valuable firepower to your army.
- Doomwheel or Doomrocket: These models are great for adding powerful war machines to your collection, providing both mobility and devastating attacks in battle.
How To Paint Skaven
Here are some painting tips for new Skaven players:
Color Scheme Ideas
- Classic Ratmen Scheme: Start with a base coat of dark gray or black for the skin to represent the typical rat-like appearance. Highlight with lighter shades of gray or white to emphasize the fur texture. For armor and weapons, use metallics like gunmetal or brass, adding a wash to bring out details. Finish with bright colors for accents, such as red or green, on their clothing and banners to create a striking contrast against the darker base.
- Warpstone Glow: Use a base coat of deep green for the skin, giving your Skaven a unique, mutated look. Highlight with lighter greens and add glowing effects by using a bright yellow or lime green on select areas like eyes, weapons, or armor edges. Use black or dark gray for the armor and wash it with a dark green to enhance depth. This scheme highlights their connection to warpstone and chaos.
- Rusty Machinery: Begin with a rusty brown or dark copper base for the skin to give a more industrial feel. Highlight with brighter oranges and reds to emphasize the rust effects. For armor, paint in metallic silver or brass, using washes to give a weathered, worn look. Add details like glowing warpstone effects in bright green or blue to give the models a unique and chaotic appearance, reflecting their technological prowess.
Painting Techniques
- Base Coating: Start with a solid base coat to establish the primary colors of your models. Use dark grays or browns for the skin to capture the classic rat-like appearance. This foundational layer ensures vibrant coverage and prepares the surface for subsequent techniques, allowing details to stand out effectively.
- Drybrushing: This technique is excellent for highlighting textures on fur and armor. Use a lighter shade of your base color to drybrush over raised areas, such as the tips of fur or the edges of armor plates. This adds depth and enhances the intricate details, giving your Skaven a more dynamic and visually appealing look.
- Washes: Applying washes can significantly enhance shadows and create a gritty, realistic appearance. Use dark washes like Nuln Oil or green washes to emphasize the recesses in armor and skin. This technique adds depth and gives your miniatures a weathered, battle-worn look, which is fitting for Skaven who thrive in the shadows.
- Edge Highlighting: Use edge highlighting to accentuate the details on armor and weapons. Apply a lighter color along the edges to create sharp contrasts that draw the eye. This technique enhances the overall detail and gives your miniatures a polished yet chaotic appearance, reflecting the cunning nature of the Skaven.
- Contrast Paints: These paints are perfect for achieving vibrant results quickly. Use contrast paints for large areas, such as the skin of Clanrats or the robes of Warlock Engineers, to take advantage of their self-shading properties. This allows for depth and color without extensive layering, making it easier for beginners to achieve impressive results while capturing the chaotic essence of Skaven.
