Clan Goldteeth
History of Skaven Clan Goldteeth: Lords of Greed
Origins of Clan Goldteeth
Clan Goldteeth emerged from the filth-ridden depths of the Underdark as a ruthless faction obsessed with wealth and power. Their rise began with the discovery of a vast underground hoard of gold and iron within the Glitterfang Mines, a hidden trove that had been sealed away for centuries. The original Skaven clan that unearthed it was decimated by infighting, but one particularly cunning and ambitious warlord, Gorath Goldteeth, seized control and consolidated power, creating Clan Goldteeth.
Under Gorath’s leadership, the clan used its newfound riches to amass an army of mercenaries, build a vast network of spies, and bribe their way into positions of influence in Rat Pitt. Over generations, they became infamous for their ruthless methods, unparalleled greed, and ostentatious displays of wealth, earning their name from their habit of plating their teeth in gold as a mark of status.
Culture and Values
Clan Goldteeth values wealth above all else, viewing it as the ultimate source of power and respect. Their warriors and leaders are adorned with gold-plated armour, weapons, and jewellery, symbolizing their dominance and ambition. The clan thrives on exploitation, extortion, and manipulation, with little regard for the lives of their own members or anyone else.
The clan’s motto, “Wealth is Power, Greed is Strength,” encapsulates their belief that success is measured in gold and iron, and that no price is too high for absolute power.
Home: The Glitterfang Bastion
The seat of Clan Goldteeth’s power is the Glitterfang Bastion, a sprawling fortress built into the heart of the Glitterfang Mines. Every surface of the bastion glimmers with gold and gemstones, a garish display of the clan’s opulence. Key features of the Glitterfang Bastion include:
- The Vault of Avarice: A heavily guarded treasury containing the clan’s vast hoard of gold, iron, bloodsteel, star metal and priceless artefacts.
- The Chamber of Deals: A grand hall where the clan’s leaders negotiate alliances, extort rivals, and plot their ascent to power.
- The Gilded Warrens: Lavish living quarters for the clan’s elite, filled with decadent furnishings and adorned with stolen treasures.
The Goldfang Family
The ruling family of Clan Goldteeth, known as the Goldfangs, has maintained an iron grip on the clan for generations. Their ambition knows no bounds, and their influence extends throughout Rat Pitt and beyond.
- Zarvik Goldfang: The current leader of Clan Goldteeth and the clan’s most ruthless warlord. Zarvik is driven by an insatiable desire to join the Council of Thirteen, believing it to be his destiny. He is known for his cunning, cruelty, and flamboyant displays of wealth, often appearing in battle adorned in gold-plated armour and wielding a bloodsteel halberd.
- Ryssa Goldfang: Zarvik’s mate and the clan’s treasurer. Ryssa oversees the clan’s finances and ensures that their wealth continues to grow through extortion, smuggling, and black-market deals.
- Krex Goldfang: The eldest son, a brutal enforcer known as the Fist of Greed. Krex leads the clan’s elite guard, ensuring loyalty through fear and violence.
- Lyrek Goldfang: The youngest son, a cunning schemer who manages the clan’s network of spies and informants. Lyrek’s ambition rivals his father’s, and he secretly plots to usurp Zarvik.
- Vyrma Goldfang: Zarvik’s niece, a skilled blood magic alchemist who creates powerful weapons and potions for the clan’s warriors.
Ambition to Join the Council of Thirteen
Zarvik Goldfang’s ultimate goal is to secure a seat on the Council of Thirteen, believing it to be the pinnacle of power in Skaven society. To achieve this, he has employed a combination of bribery, assassination, and propaganda to undermine current council members and position himself as an indispensable ally or replacement. His vast wealth has allowed him to influence key decisions in Rat Pitt, though his overt ambition has also earned him many enemies.
Zarvik’s strategy revolves around destabilizing the current council, orchestrating chaos to create a power vacuum he can exploit. While his wealth gives him significant leverage, his arrogance and greed have also made him a target for rivals who seek to eliminate him before he can achieve his goal.
Allies and Rivals
- Allies:
- Blackstone Traders: Clan Goldteeth maintains strong ties with Blackstone merchants, ensuring a steady supply of the precious substance for their alchemical experiments.
- Corrupt Skaven Officials: Many low-level officials in Rat Pitt are on Clan Goldteeth’s payroll, providing valuable information and influence. --Clan Verminshade: Verminshade works closely with Goldteeth being funded by them to grow their influence and sabotage their enemies and expand their influence in Rat Pitt and beyond.
- Rivals:
- Clan Darkreaver: Zarvik’s attempts to monopolize gold trade have brought him into conflict with the technologically advanced Clan Darkreaver.
- Clan Bloodeyes: The assassins of Clan Bloodeyes view Clan Goldteeth’s overt displays of wealth as a sign of weakness and frequently target their leaders.
- Clan Ironfang: The disciplined warriors of Clan Ironfang despise Clan Goldteeth’s decadence and see them as a threat to Skaven unity.
Major Events
- The Great Heist
- Clan Goldteeth orchestrated a daring raid on a rival clan’s treasury, stealing a massive hoard of gold. This bold move solidified their reputation as ruthless opportunists.
- The Gilded War
- A prolonged conflict with a coalition of rival clans over control of the Glitterfang Mines. Clan Goldteeth emerged victorious, securing their dominance in the region.
- The Shadow Coup
- Zarvik attempted to assassinate a council member to secure his place on the Council of Thirteen, but the plot was foiled. While the setback weakened his position temporarily, it also demonstrated the lengths he is willing to go to achieve his ambitions.
Legacy
Clan Goldteeth is a symbol of unchecked greed and ambition in Skaven society. Their wealth and influence make them a formidable force, but their ruthless methods and overt ambition have also earned them countless enemies. As Zarvik Goldfang continues his quest for power, the fate of Clan Goldteeth hangs in the balance, teetering between unparalleled dominance and catastrophic collapse.
Their motto, “Wealth is Power, Greed is Strength,” serves as both their guiding principle and a warning to those who dare to challenge them.
