Boneripper

Boneripper^[1a], called "Bone-thing" by other Skaven, was a Rat Ogre, perhaps the best known of the named Rat Ogres among the Skaven. Owned by the infamous Grey Seer Thanquol, he acted as a mount and bodyguard, and his presence was often the difference between life and death for the Grey Seer. In truth, there have been many Bonerippers, as Thanquol's plots often saw his bodyguard slain in Thanquol's stead.^[3a]

As a massive Rat Ogre, the original Boneripper was a completely (more or less) organic being. He was a three-armed monster, one arm bearing a sword, the other a firearm, and the final limb ending in a set of fearsome claws. The head of the beast was skeletal with fearsome red eyes, feeding into a shaggy mane of fur.^[2b]

Like all Rat Ogres, Boneripper was covered in all manner of stitches and sutures which held the beast together. Loyal and more-or-less obedient to Thanquol, Boneripper seeks the approval of his master even if the Grey Seer is often verbally abusive and more than willing to put his well-being before the Rat Ogre's own.^[2b]

After one of his deaths, Boneripper was rebuilt as a Stormfiend by the tinker-ratmen of Clan Skryre. Using the Warp-Tooth, he was much more dangerous and more importantly, much more easy to control. Thanquol suspected even the Grey Seers' ruling Seer Lord Kritislik would hesitate to take action against this new and improved flesh-and-metal Boneripper.

Monstrously strong, the machine-ogre boasted four arms and was able to lift one-thousand pounds over its head, though with some difficulty. Boneripper often wore a special battle-helmet, similar to those found on Rat Ogre Bonebreakers. At least one of his arms is fitted with a Warpfire Projector. ^[3a]

Why is Boneripper called 'Bone-thing' by other Skaven? toggle section

Boneripper is called 'Bone-thing' by other Skaven because of his nature as a Rat Ogre, a creature made from bones and flesh. This nickname reflects the Skaven's habit of naming based on physical traits. Boneripper, serving Grey Seer Thanquol, was transformed into a Stormfiend by Clan Skryre, enhancing his power and control.

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What role did Boneripper play in Thanquol's schemes? toggle section

Boneripper, a Rat Ogre, was essential to Thanquol's schemes as his bodyguard. Frequently replaced due to the perilous nature of Thanquol's plots, Boneripper ensured Thanquol's survival. The current Boneripper, a four-armed Stormfiend, was a gift from Verminlord Skreech Verminking during the End Times. Boneripper's presence often determined Thanquol's fate, underscoring their critical partnership in his plans.

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How many Bonerippers have served Thanquol? toggle section

Thirteen Bonerippers have served Thanquol. These Rat Ogres were often replaced due to their deaths in battles. The original Boneripper had three arms, while the current one, a four-armed Stormfiend, was a gift from Verminlord Skreech Verminking during the End Times.

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How did Boneripper become Thanquol's bodyguard? toggle section

Boneripper became Thanquol's bodyguard through a gift from the Council of Thirteen. Thanquol has had many Bonerippers, as they often die protecting him. The original was a three-armed Rat Ogre, while the current one is a four-armed Stormfiend, given by Verminlord Skreech Verminking during the End Times. New Bonerippers are made by Clan Skryre and Clan Moulder, sometimes using parts from previous ones.

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What makes Boneripper a unique Rat Ogre among the Skaven? toggle section

Boneripper stands out among Skaven Rat Ogres due to his transformation into a Stormfiend by Clan Skryre. As a cyborg, he possesses reinforced armor and a warp-fire thrower, enhancing his strength and control. Serving Grey Seer Thanquol, Boneripper acts as a mount and bodyguard, crucial for Thanquol's survival. His formidable presence, capable of lifting one-thousand pounds, deters even powerful Skaven from challenging Thanquol.

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Boneripper Incarnations[]

The Boneripper before his enhancement. — The Rat Ogre Boneripper before his enhancement.

In total, there have been thirteen Bonerippers that are known to have been employed at different times by Grey Seer Thanquol. With the coming of the End Times, it can be assumed all of the Bonerippers that were introduced following the novel Manslayer, which takes place in the alternate timeline of where the Storm of Chaos unfolded, are no longer considered canon.

The infamous and his loyal, furious , Boneripper. — The infamous Grey Seer Thanquol and his loyal, furious Rat Ogre, Boneripper.

Thanquol's current Boneripper, a four-armed Stormfiend, was a gift, given to him by Verminlord Skreech Verminking during the End Times.^[4a]

Boneripper 1 - The very first Boneripper was slain by Gotrek Gurnisson in the novel Skavenslayer.

Boneripper 2 - The second Boneripper was slain by Felix Jaeger in the novel Daemonslayer after Felix threw a Dwarf bomb at the creature, which Boneripper accidentally swallowed.

Boneripper 3- The third Boneripper met his end at the hands of the Dwarf Snorri Nosebiter, an old friend of Gotrek Gurnisson, in the novel Dragonslayer.

Boneripper 4 - The fourth Boneripper was slain by Lord Skrolk in the novel Grey Seer.

Boneripper 5 - The fifth Boneripper was slain by Clan Eshin's Deathmaster Snikch in the novel Temple of the Serpent.

Boneripper 6 - The sixth Boneripper was killed by a blackpowder explosion in the Temple of the Serpent and later eaten by Thanquol.

Boneripper 7 - Boneripper 7 was the re-animated body of the first Boneripper. This resurrection was made possible by Clan Skyre's combined use of sorcery and their warpstone-derived technology. Boneripper 7 was gifted to Thanquol in the novel Thanquol's Doom. Despite suffering heavy damage, the seventh Boneripper is still up and running.

Boneripper 8 - 12 - The cause of death of these incarnations of Boneripper are unknown. It can be assumed that all Bonerippers after the 7th are now non-canon, since they existed in the alternate Storm of Chaos timeline.

Boneripper 13 - The thirteenth Boneripper was a unique albino Rat Ogre who possessed small horn stubs. Boneripper 13 was slain by Gotrek Gurnisson on the deck of a Skaven submersible in the novel Elfslayer.

Canon Conflict[]

As previously mentioned, the novel Gotrek and Felix: Elfslayer states that there were thirteen Bonerippers in Thanquol's service, the 13th being an albino Rat Ogre with small stubs for horns. However, since this novel takes place in an alternate timeline following the Storm of Chaos, it is assumed that this incarnation of Boneripper is now non-canon.