| rdfs:comment | - Skavenslaves, also known as Slave Rats or Clanrat Slaves are the most lowly individuals of all the Skaven race. Standing a stunted four feet tall, Skavenslaves form the largest bulk of the Skaven swollen population. They are usually born in this manner, barely holding out through a cruel, abused childhood and, being of little value, is simply shoved into forced labor. Living past any more than a handful of years is quite a cursed accomplishment. Skavenslaves are also always swelling with captured or defeated Clanrats demoted in their loss and shoved into the lowly ranks. Almost all slaves die as slaves.[2a]
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| abstract | - Skavenslaves, also known as Slave Rats or Clanrat Slaves are the most lowly individuals of all the Skaven race. Standing a stunted four feet tall, Skavenslaves form the largest bulk of the Skaven swollen population. They are usually born in this manner, barely holding out through a cruel, abused childhood and, being of little value, is simply shoved into forced labor. Living past any more than a handful of years is quite a cursed accomplishment. Skavenslaves are also always swelling with captured or defeated Clanrats demoted in their loss and shoved into the lowly ranks. Almost all slaves die as slaves.[2a] The entire infrastructure of the Under-Empire is run by slave labor. Skavenslaves perform all menial tasks, including mining, tunneling and food production. In lean times, they themselves become the food. The majority of slaves are Skaven born into bondage, the lowest class of a hierarchical society. Their ranks swell as rival clans are captured during internecine wars. At times, even non-Skaven become slaves, although few other races last long under the whips of the ratmen overseers.[1a] The life of a Skavenslave is cruel, but mercifully short. Edible food is so rare that cannibalism is the way of life and each day is a battle for survival. A slave with the slightest injury such as a limp or disease-swollen eye is often hungrily marked by his pack. These wretched creatures attempt to hide such maladies, but the keen Skaven sense of smell cannot be fooled. The crippled are soon devoured as the ravenous horde turns upon itself.[1a] In warfare, Skavenslaves are used en masse to absorb missile fire and to overwhelm the foe with numbers. A common Warlord tactic is to whip Skavenslaves to the fore of an assault. Many are butchered, but the loss is acceptable if the slaves bear the brunt of incoming arrows or tire the foe for the next attack wave. The best Skavenslaves will even pull down and tear to pieces a few of their adversaries, although this is considered a bonus. Some Skavenslaves use slings to inflict damage from afar, while others are lucky enough to have scrounged spears or shields to aid them in battle. It is not unheard of for Skavenslaves to survive a battle, although this is inconvenient for overpopulated lairs. In desperate times, the boldest of Skavenslaves may be granted a chance to become Clanrats. Slaves who break in battle by the enemy are trampled underfoot by the oncoming attack waves of their own side. It is commonly said that the most dangerous Skavenslave is one that is running, for he may turn to fight at any time.[1a]
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