A Detailed Lore Physical Characteristics and Abilities
Size and Appearance
Broodfathers are massive, towering over other Skaven at an imposing height of 12 to 15 feet when fully extended. Their bodies are grotesquely swollen, with multiple nipples lining their torso to nurse their offspring. Their fur is often matted and discolored, reflecting their corrupted nature.
Unique Traits:
Apart from their sheer size, Broodfathers possess a dark aura gifted by Nurgle, the god of decay. This aura grants them minor regenerative abilities, allowing them to heal rapidly from wounds. They also exude a foul stench that can incapacitate enemies, making them formidable despite their slow, cumbersome movement.
Social Structure and Role
Hierarchy:
Broodfathers sit at the pinnacle of Skaven society, revered and feared in equal measure. They are considered sacred, as their existence is crucial for the survival and expansion of the Skaven race.
Perception and Treatment:
Other Skaven treat Broodfathers with a mix of reverence and dread. They are protected zealously by castrated rat priest and warrior guards who ensure their safety and comfort. Skaven leaders often consult Broodfathers for their wisdom, believing them to be touched by divine power.
Culture and Traditions
High Regard:
Broodfathers are central to Skaven culture, symbolizing fertility and continuity. Festivals are held in their honor, where Skaven offer tributes and sacrifices to ensure the Broodfathers' health and productivity.
Cultural Practices:
Rituals involve the application of hallucinogenic salves to Broodfathers to keep them in a euphoric state. During these rituals, young Skaven are brought before the Broodfathers to receive their "blessing," which is believed to confer strength and vitality.
Myths and Legends:
Legends speak of Nurgle's touch creating the first Broodfather, transforming an ordinary Skaven into a demonic progenitor. Tales of Papa Smiley, known for his perpetual grin, and Papa Pig, noted for his gluttonous nature, are recounted to instill awe and fear among the Skaven.
History and Evolution
Origins:
Broodfathers were created during a time of great strife when Nurgle, the god of decay, sought to expand his influence. He chose select Skaven, imbuing them with demonic power and transforming them into grotesque but vital beings capable of sustaining the Skaven race.
Daily Life and Environment
Daily Activities:
A typical day for a Broodfather involves constant breeding and nursing. They are fed a diet rich in nutrients to sustain their massive size and productivity. Their lives are a cycle of birthing and feeding, supported by their attendants.
Living Conditions:
Broodfathers reside in the deepest, darkest parts of the Skaven lairs, known as the Brood Pits. These areas are humid, filled with the stench of decay and the cries of newborn Skaven. The environment is carefully maintained to be conducive to their needs, ensuring a constant supply of fresh offspring.
Aka "Brood Daddy" Known for his unsettling, permanent grin, Papa Smiley was said to possess a keen intellect and strategic mind, guiding Skaven clans to numerous victories.
Papa Pig: Renowned for his insatiable appetite, Papa Pig's vast bulk was a testament to his voracious consumption, making him both feared and revered.
