40 Years of Warhammer: Miniature Retrospective – Deathmaster Snikch
There’s a reason Skaven and Skaven Assassins look the way they do. A lot of that has to do with Deathmaster Snikch!
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Warhammer and Games Workshop is taking some time to look back at miniatures that had a big impact on their work. Today’s focus is on Deathmaster Snikch, the archetype of the Skaven Assassins!
“A supernaturally skilled assassin armed with three weeping blades – one clutched in his tail – dripping corrosive venom, Snikch was notorious for his ability to get into any palace, keep, or warren at the decree of his master, Nightlord Sneek.”
Deathmaster Snikch
Deathmaster Snikch is the epitome of the Skaven Assassins and you can see how this early model inspired the range. Not only is he wielding dual blades coated in poison he’s also wielding one with his tail. And why wouldn’t he? Skaven would use all the tools at their disposal to win and if that means sneaking in a stab with a knife from your tail, so be it!
While the Skaven ranks might not have been the bravest bunch their characters and warmachines always stood out from the pack. Lots of the Skaven characters are like Snikch in that way: they are characterful! Just like the clans they represented each character had a role in the army.
“Much of the joy of collecting Skaven came from the comedy in commanding them on the tabletop. Skaven armies were unlike any other, a terrifying rodent-shaped Rube Goldberg machine just one nudge away from victory or disaster. Armies numbering in the hundreds consisted of battle fodder regiments of Skavenslaves pushed along by Stormvermin elites, scuttling into battle alongside rickety war machines, mutant monstrosities, and Grey Seers swinging off screaming bells, intoxicated by warpstone chips.”
That is an entirely accurate statement about the Skaven! So pour one out for Deathmaster Snikch and the rest of the Skaven. This one’s for all those glorious failures and “I can’t believe that worked!” moments.
SQUEEEE!
