Vrisk Ironscratch
Vrisk Ironscratch is the Skaven who occupies the 5th seat of the Under-Empire's ruling Council of Thirteen in Skavenblight. He serves as the Fleetmaster of the Skaven Clanfleet, and is the warlord of Clan Skurvy.[1][2a]
History[]
Vrisk Ironscratch is Arch-Sealord of Clan Skurvy. He was present at the Great Summoning of 2302 IC, and boldly placed his paw upon the Black Pillar of Commandments and earned the right to sit on the Council of Thirteen. His ascension was a surprise to many, for Clan Skurvy were by no means a major power in Skavendom.[2a]
The Great Summoning, and its aftermath, instilled in the Skaven a common purpose, and Vrisk was quick to think of a niche to occupy. He proposed, given that most of his clan’s holdings comprised the warrens that riddled the cliffs beneath the city of Tobaro, that Clan Skurvy be granted a generous stipend in warptokens to design and construct an effective navy.[2a]
After much bickering, the Council devoted a generous portion of resources to Vrisk. The humble station of Clan Skurvy probably contributed to his fortunes — by awarding him a fortune in warptokens, his fellow councillors denied each other a generous windfall that might upset the balance of power. Better a small clan receive assistance than a major clan come to dominate its rivals. In winning the stipend, Vrisk also had to make several promises to purchase weaponry and specialist soldiers from Clans Skryre, Moulder, Eshin, and Pestilens. It ought also to be noted that Seerlord Kritislik strongly objected to the construction of a navy, claiming it would be too overt and leave evidence to be found by the enemies of the Skaven, so the other councillors may have voted in its favour simply to annoy the Seerlord.[2a]
Thanks to this (conditional) generosity on behalf of the Council, Clan Skurvy were granted the resources to gnaw out the Undercity lair of Spineport, hidden in caves carved from the Tobaran coast by storms. In 2321 IC, strange, ramshackle craft were spotted on the Tilean Sea, and the Dwarfs of Barak Varr reported sinking several vessels manned by Skaven sailors. In less than two decades, Vrisk had done much to keep his promise to the Council.[2a]
Clan Skurvy are now a serious maritime threat. The clan’s ramshackle fleet reaps a fortune from piracy, much of which is spent on press-ganging new captives to work the treadmills that power their ships.[2a]
Their spoils are also supplemented by salvaging wrecks off the coast of the Isle of Sirens, bounty that is hauled back to Spineport. The Skaven tend not to attack vessels near the coast, for they are wary of proving Seerlord Kritislik right. For his part, Vrisk is an active participant in the operations of his clan. On board a clanship, every Skaven is a suspect of mutiny — which is just as well, as they are all planning to do it sooner or later. Vrisk’s clawcaptains struggle to maintain order, so the arch-sealord himself deems fit to keep a watch from the prow of Clan Skurvy’s flagship, The Teeth of Spineport, a seething hulk bedecked in Warp Lightning Naval Cannons.[2a]
Vrisk occupies the eighth seat on the Council of Thirteen. It is a humble position, and Vrisk rarely engages in the intrigue necessary to win greater power. He is said to disdain the rancorous competition of Skavenblight in favour of a life on the ocean wave. Also, if he did not devote his energies to leading his clan in person, half of them would mutiny by sundown.[2a]
Wargears[]
Warpstone Armour - Powdered warpstone was used in forging the plates of a suit of Warpstone Armour. As well as providing protection, the armour is has a corrupting influence on anyone who engages the wearer in melee.[2a]
Warpstone Ducksfoot Pistol - Vrisk carries a strange five-barrelled firearm that he unleashes when heading a boarding action.[2a]
The Teeth of Spineport[]
The Teeth of Spineport mounts ten Warp Lightning Naval Cannon on its deck, five facing port and five facing starboard.[2a]