SKAVEN RUNEN

Inhalt

Einführung

Das interaktive Skavenalphabet

Ladet die Skaven True-Type Schrift runter

 

Einführung

Few humans have ever ventured into Skavenblight, and fewer still have ventured out. For many decades, despite the appearance of skaven runic symbols on battlefields across the old world, it was believed that the Skaven lacked a written language of their own. In support of this theory, it was pointed out that Skaven battle standards are often written in the common tongue, bearing such epitaphs as "we shall inherit" and "wither and decay." However, we now know that the Skaven use the common tongue solely for their opponent's benefit - in an attempt to break enemy morale. Only recently, through the interrogation of human cultists of the Horned Rat, and careful study of a few captured tattered pages of the "Liber Boubonicus" have the mysteries of the Skaven written language begun to unravel.

The Skaven alphabet contains 19 letters.  There is no hard and fast rule concerning whether material is written from left to right, right to left or up and down.

Each of the 19 letters takes the form of a runic symbol. These symbols, when appearing alone, have a distinct meaning within Skaven society.  In addition, however, the word or phrase associated with each symbol also represents a certain sound in the Skaven alphabet. For example, the skaven symbol for the word "warpstone" may appear alone, and often does. However when it appears with a group of other symbols it may also represent the "Wa" sound, or the letter "W".

In addition to their 19 letters, the Skaven alphabet contains 7 vowels. The vowels are often omitted in informal writing, as the Skaven vocabulary appears to be so limited as to have little need of them. Thus, a word like "water" will usually appear using the runic symbols for "W", "T" and "R" only.

Finally, the Skaven use a single punctuation symbol in their writings: the double scratch mark, or "//" symbol. When this symbol appears after a word, the word is always pronounced in a stuttering fashion, such as "Die-die" or "Hate-hate". No other punctuation is known to exist in the Skaven written language. It is believed that the question mark is not used because written requests are of no importance in Skaven society.  No Skaven would ever respond to a request such as "where is the warpstone kept."  Such information would only be given in person, either to a more powerful Skaven, or extracted by his assassins.

Before we proceed the reader should note that not every series of runes can be directly translated into the common tongue. Merely knowing what sounds a runic letter makes does not solve the riddle of the skaven language. While the Skaven generally speak in the common tongue they also have a warped language of their own, used primarily by Warlocks and Seers to inscribe magic items and scrolls.  As to the translation of these words, the use of a Skull Staff is still recommended.

This page contains descriptions of the various Skaven runic symbols and letters.

Zurück zum Inhalt


Das interaktive Skavenalphabet

Wählt einen Buchstaben des Alphabets, um etwas über die entsprechende Skaven Rune zu erfahren:

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Diverses

Ihr könnt nach Betrachtung jeder Rune hierher zurückkehren, um eine weitere auszuwählen.

Zurück zum Inhalt


[IMAGE]"Skaven"

Bei weitem die häufigste aller Skaven Runen, drei sich überlappende Linien, die ein Dreieck formen, bedeutet "Skaven", wird jedoch außerdem zur Darstellung des "S" Lautes verwendet. Ihre Form verkörpert die Umrisse der Schädel der Gehörnten Ratte und eines jeden Skaven, und als solche die "wahre Natur" der Skaven. Siehe auch Skaven Army Book, S. 5 (oben rechts).

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Warpstone"

Eine Reihe von zwei sich überlappenden Linien im 45° Winkel, die ein rautenförmiges "TicTacToe"-Feld bilden. Dieses Symbol repräsentiert eine Reihe von verschlungenen Tunneln, die die Welt durchziehen in der niemals enden wollenden Suche nach Warpstone. Das Symbol wurde ursprünglich von Clan Rikek entworfen, um Warpstone Lieferungen nach Skavenblight zu markieren (stellt also somit auch ein Clansymbol dar!), wird inzwischen allerdings auch zur Darstellung des "W" Lautes verwendet.  Siehe auch Skaven Army Book, S. 15 und 69, zweite Rune von links.

Zurück zum Inhalt   Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Gehörnte Ratte"

Ein Diamant mit hornförmigen Erweiterungen stellt das Symbol für die Gehörnte Ratte, sowie für den "H" Laut dar. Siehe auch Skaven Army Book, S. 60, mittlere Rune (mit Vokalen).

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Rat der Dreizehn"  [IMAGE]"Die Versammlung der Clans", oder "Clanratte"

Das komplizierte Symbol auf der linken Seite ist die Rune für den "Rat der Dreizehn". Es wird jedoch auch zur Darstellung des Buchstaben "C" verwendet. Siehe auch Skaven Army Book, S. 49.

Das Symbol auf der rechten, drei sich überlappende Linien, die ein umgedrehtes Dreieck formen, gefolgt von einer Serie sich überlappender Linien darunter von immer geringerer Größe, repräsentiert die Verbindung von mehreren Clans zur Erfüllung eines gemeinsamen Ziels. Es wird häufig auf den Bannern von Skavengruppen gefunden, die aus mehreren Clans stammen, bedeutet auch Clanratte. Siehe Clanratten Banner, Skaven Army Book, S. 49.  

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Skavenblight"

A solid line with two curved lines sloping down vertically from its lower half. This symbol resembling a roof and two walls or tower, and is used to represent "Skavenblight".  It is also used generically for the concept of "tower" and so is assigned the same sound as the letter "T". See Skaven army book, page 69, second rune from the right.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Glocke"

This is the symbol for the "b" sound. Bells have great significance in Skaven religion and magic. They are often fashioned to resonate at a precise pitch capable of focusing warp energy. See Skaven army book, page 41 ('eavy Metal) on Screaming Bell Miniature.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Vermin Lord"

A diamond with a single horn and stem. This is the symbol for the Vermin Lord, greater deamon of the Horned Rat. It bears strong resemblance to the Horned Rat's symbol, however is given a single horn to indicate its subservience to the Horn Rat himself. The Stem represents the connection to the material plane on which all Skaven exist. This symbol may also appear with scratch marks to separate one individual Vermin Lord from another. When appearing in words, this symbol makes the sound of the letter "V".

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE] [IMAGE]

These symbols are used to represent Warlocks and Seers. A single diamond with no adornment represents a Warlock Engineer. A stem is added for a Warlock Champion. A stem and a single scratch mark signify a Warlock Master, while a stem with two scratch marks is the basis for a Grey Seer's blazon.  Individual Warlocks and Seers generally add additional adornments to these basis shapes.  Note, however, that Warlocks and Seers never use a "horn" on their runes, as would be the case with a Vermin Lord's runic symbol, or "V".  The Grey Seer's symbol represents the sound of the letter "G".   The other symbols do not appear to have sounds associated with them.   See Skaven army book, page 69 far right, page 70 far left, Grey Seer's cloak on book cover.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Warlord"

A Scratch mark leading into a solid line with a second gouge below it. This is the symbol of a Skaven Lord, and is given the same sound as the letter "L".

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Fellblade"

This is the symbol for the dreaded Fellblade. It is also used generically to commemorate the defeat of Nagash in -c1200. Although Skaven do not formally bury their dead, they have been known to place this symbol over the bones of fallen comrades to ward off Necromancers. The symbol is seldom used otherwise, unless in its letter-form, where it is given the sound of "F".

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Skryre" ("Rad")

The three spoked pin-wheel has been adopted as the symbol for Clan Skryre. When used as a letter it has the sound of "K".  See Skaven army book, page 70, center rune, Doomwheel banner.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Warpenergie"

This symbol represents the machinations of Clan Skryre and all warpstone devices, particularly the Jezzail.  It therefore has the sound of the letter "J". See Skaven army book, page 60, second rune from the left.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Moulder" [IMAGE]"Moulder"

A fist holding a whip. This symbol is often drawn runically as a simple series of lines forming a spiral. It is the symbol of Clan Moulder, and is used to represent the letter "M".   The more elaborate symbol to the right usually adorns shields and banners of the clan, as well as the gates to the Hell Pit.  See Skaven army book, pages 11 and 72.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Eshin"

A small darkened pyramid over a pair of elongated darkened and inverted triangles forms the runic symbol of Clan Eshin. Is it the stylistic equivalent of the clan's "dagger in hand" glyph, which is painted in a glowing mixture of blood and warpstone on the clan's stronghold in Cathay. The Symbol has the sound of the letter "N". See Skaven army book, pages 16 and 60, rune on far right, Skaven army book cover.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Pestilens"

A vertical line with a triangle on the top half, facing right. Similar to the letter "P" in appearance, this simple symbol is used by Clan Pestilens and has the same sound as the letter "P".

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Zwerg"

A double triangle facing left. This is the symbol for "Dwarf" and was adopted from the Dwarven rune for the letter "D", following the fall of Karak Eight Peaks in -c513 (Now known as the Skaven "City of Pillars").  It is used as the Skaven letter "D".

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Red Pox"

This symbol is used to evoke the inevitable victory of the Children of the Horned Rat. It is thus no coincidence that it was first used by Clan Pestilens to mark cities infected with the "red pox." It has the sound of the letter "R".

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"ZZZZZZZot"

A single horizontal line with a series of zig-zagging lines descending from its lower half. This is the symbol for Skaven battle magic, particularly Warplightning. Its appearance resembles that of warplightning striking, and is given roughly the same sound, corresponding to the letter "Z". See Skaven army book, page 70, second rune from the right.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


"Clan Mors"

A crossed series of arrows pointing in all directions incorporating a skaven "S" runic symbol. This is the mark of Clan Moors (pronounced "xmors"). This symbol was first found in the vicinity of the City of Pillars, and has come into wide usage to represent the letter "x".  The symbol suggests an alliance between the Skaven and the minions of Chaos, and ill tidings for all others.   See Skaven army book, page 9.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Queek"("Meins!")

This symbol is usually drawn on objects to denote their ownership. It is believed that the particular scent given off by each Skaven's fingernails in scratching this symbol on their possessions places other Skaven on notice of the owner's claim. The symbol has the sound of the letter "Q", for the skaven word "queek", which loosely translates into the word "mine." See Skaven army book, page 69, third from left, page 70 (and the heads and hind quarters of numerous rat ogres and slaves).

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]

Skaven vowels are as follows: A single pyramid = a; double pyramid = e; triple pyramid = I; single inverted pyramid =o; double inverted pyramid = u; triple inverted pyramid = y.   As mentioned above, these vowels are seldom used, and there appears to be no uniform agreement on their placement.  They often appear below or above the letters they are intended to modify. This may be a matter of Clan dialect.

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


[IMAGE]"Clan Rictus"

This is the symbol of Clan Rictus of Crookback Mountain, the principle Skaven Clan in the Dark Lands.  It is unknown what sound, if any, can be attributed to this Rune.  Clan Rictus breeds a remarkably large number of black-furred warriors who in turn make up the bulk of the Skaven military elite known as Stormvermin.  Their runic symbol is rarely seen on battlefields outside of the Dark Lands, as Stormvermin seldom carry shields, opting instead to use halberds to maximize their already enhanced strength.  See Skaven army book pages 6, 7 and 63. 

Zurück zum Inhalt    Zurück zur Runenliste 


Ladet die Skaven True-Type Schrift herunter!

To download a true type font based on this web page, click on this link.  (Right click if left clicking doesn't work with your browser).  By downloading these fonts, you agree not to use them for any commercial purposes.  To install the font in Windows 95, first extract the file into a temporary directory using Winzip or an equivalent program. The uncompressed file will be called "skaven.ttf."  Then, from the "Start" button on the Taskbar, select "Settings" and then "Control Panel."  In the Control Panel window, double click on the "fonts" icon. A fonts window should open up. In the fonts window select "file" and then "Install New Font" from the menu. You will need to tell windows the location of the temporary directory where you extracted "skaven.ttf."  Windows should handle it from there!

For Macintosh users, download on this link! Then use your TTConverter...

Note, the font looks best in point sizes of 20 and higher.  The Clan Rictus "Stormvermin" Rune, while not part of the alphabet, can be accessed by pressing Shift-2.  I recommend using a handwriting or script font for numbers when writing with the Skaven True Type Font.  Many thanks to Jim Sorenson for all his help with translating this web page into a usable font!  For tons of other fonts, visit Jim's homepage.

Zurück zum Inhalt