Clan Blacktail
Origins of Clan Blacktail
Clan Blacktail’s rise is an anomaly in the chaotic and self-serving world of Skaven society. Known for their fierce warrior culture and rare unity, Clan Blacktail prides itself on bravery and honour in battle, qualities seldom associated with Skaven.
The clan’s name derives from their unique feature: jet-black tails, a mark they claim signifies strength and determination granted by the Great Rat God Grilik. This feature became a symbol of pride and identity, setting them apart from the treacherous masses of Skavenkind.
The founder of Clan Blacktail, Warchief Skrall Blacktail, was a revolutionary among Skaven. Skrall believed survival required not only cunning and strength but also loyalty within the clan. Through sheer force of will, Skrall imposed a warrior code upon his followers, transforming a small band of outcasts into a disciplined and fearsome fighting force.
The Rise of Skrall Blacktail
Skrall Blacktail’s journey began as a lowly clanrat in the slums of Blightchasm, a minor Skaven city deep in the Underdark. Known for his unyielding determination and uncanny ability to rally others, Skrall quickly rose through the ranks. After leading a daring rebellion against a corrupt Warlord, Skrall claimed leadership of his band and declared the founding of Clan Blacktail.
Skrall’s philosophy was simple: strength through unity and honour in combat. While he did not reject the treachery inherent to Skaven society, he tempered it with a rigid structure that rewarded loyalty and bravery. This allowed Clan Blacktail to function as a cohesive unit, a rarity among Skaven.
Culture of Clan Blacktail
Clan Blacktail’s culture is rooted in martial discipline and a warrior’s code that sets them apart from other Skaven clans.
Beliefs and Practices
- Strength in Unity: Clan Blacktail believes that a strong clan united in purpose is more powerful than a horde of selfish individuals. Betrayal within the clan is punishable by death.
- The Warrior’s Code: Every member of Clan Blacktail is expected to fight with honor and courage. Cowardice in battle is considered the greatest shame.
- The Blacktail Legacy: The clan views their black tails as a mark of divine favor, and members often adorn their tails with war paint, charms, or jewelry.
Hierarchy
- Warchief: The leader of the clan, both a warrior and a visionary.
- The Blacktail Council: A group of veteran warriors and strategists who advise the Warchief and enforce the clan’s code.
- Stormfang Warriors: The elite fighters of the clan, known for their bravery and skill with glaives and halberds.
- Tailfangers: Rank-and-file warriors, trained from a young age to be disciplined and fearless in battle.
- Initiates: Young Skaven undergoing rigorous training to earn their place as warriors.
Territory and Stronghold
The Blacktail Skaven reside in Ironclaw Keep, a fortress carved into a massive cavern within the Underdark. The keep is heavily fortified, with traps, hidden passages, and defensive emplacements designed to repel invaders.
Ironclaw Keep is both a training ground and a home, featuring barracks, forges, and a grand hall where the Warchief and his council hold court.
The Blacktail Family
The Blacktail family serves as the clan’s leadership, embodying its values and guiding its destiny.
Milt Blacktail
Milt Blacktail was a member of the Council of 13 in Rat Pitt but was killed in a rebellion attack on Rat Pitt leaving a lot of Skavens dead, the rebellion was two Skavens escaping from the city of Rat Pitt, Pyro and Hookspark. The council of 13 have spent the whole year repairing Rat Pitt from damages instead of finding a replacement for Milt.
Trike Blacktail
The new patriarch of clan Blacktail, Trike is a towering Skaven with unmatched combat prowess. His black tail is adorned with runic engravings and charms, symbols of his authority and legacy. Trike is trying to get on the Council of 13 in Rat Pitt.
Krylla Blacktail
Trike’s mate and the clan’s spiritual leader, Krylla is a cunning mystic who interprets the will of the Great Rat God Grilik. She wields shadow magic and guides the clan’s rituals and traditions.
The Blacktail Offspring
Trike and Krylla have three children, each a prominent figure in the clan:
- Rask Blacktail: The eldest son and heir, Rask is a fearless warrior who leads the Stormfang Warriors into battle.
- Vryka Blacktail: The cunning middle child, Vryka serves as the clan’s chief scout and tactician, specializing in ambushes and guerrilla warfare.
- Skritt Blacktail: The youngest and most ambitious, Skritt is a warlock-engineer who creates devastating weapons for the clan.
Enemies and Allies
Enemies
- The Dwarves of Stonekeep: These dwarves have waged a centuries-long war against the Blacktails, who frequently raid their mines for resources.
- Illithid Enclaves: The Blacktails’ territorial expansion has brought them into conflict with several mind flayer colonies in the Underdark.
Allies
- Clan Bloodeyes: The Blacktails maintain a tenuous alliance with Clan Bloodeyes, trading resources for advanced weaponry.
- Goblin Tribes: Several goblin tribes in the Underdark have aligned with the Blacktails, serving as auxiliaries in battle.
Legacy and Ambitions
Under Trike’s leadership, Clan Blacktail has grown into a formidable force in the Underdark. Their disciplined warriors and innovative strategies have allowed them to punch above their weight, earning both respect and fear from allies and enemies alike.
Trike dreams of forging a new era for Skavenkind, one where unity and strength replace treachery and cowardice. While many dismiss this as folly, Clan Blacktail’s victories suggest that Trike’s vision may not be as far-fetched as it seems.
As the clan continues to expand its influence, the Blacktail warriors march boldly into battle, their black tails raised high—a symbol of their courage and unshakable resolve.
