"Understanding from the outset that yours is a suicide mission focuses the murine mind on the murderous task at hand."
- —The Death Runners of Clan Eshin.[1]
A Skaven Death Runner of Clan Eshin as depicted in Total War: Warhammer II.[1]
Death Runners, also spelled Deathrunners, are the Champions of the Skaven Clan Eshin's Gutter Runner regiments, either leading a host of their lesser brethren or making up in whole a deadly cadre of assassins themselves.[1][2a]
Role[]
A Skaven Death Runner of Clan Eshin as rendered for Total War: Warhammer II.
Most suspicious deaths and acts of espionage in Skaven society are blamed on the nefarious Clan Eshin. Such accusations are probably true, but, of course, there is no evidence. Much of this devastation is wrought by the Gutter Runners, Clan Eshin's black-clad death squads. Death Runners are the elite among their ranks, having excelled at the mysterious Far Eastern fighting styles for which Gutter Runners are known and demonstrated enough wherewithal and self-determination to lead. Because of their ability to bend and contort their pliable bodies with a speed and dexterity unachievable by man, Death Runners have no need for encumbering armour - they simply dodge the blows and missile of their foes.[1]
Wargear[]
- Weeping Blades - Envenomated blades crafted with Warpstone, expert for slicing through armour.
- Smoke Bombs - Bombs that allow assassins to approach unnoticed or escape a battle gone south.
Notable Death Runners[]
- Visktrin's Death Squad - These Death Runners honor the legacy of Lord Visktrin, the legendary warlord of Clan Eshin.[1]
- Burrow-Crackers - Armed with poisoned blades and throwing stars, the Burrow-crackers knew how to sidle around a battle and inflict damage with as little chance of being attacked in return as possible.
Sources[]
- 1: Total War: Warhammer II (PC Game)
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Skaven (7th Edition)
- 2a: pg. 51
