The Council of Thirteen

The Council of Thirteen reigns supreme over the Skaven's vast underground empire. Known across their realm as the "Lords of Decay," these Skaven rulers wield their power with a mix of cunning and tyranny. They are responsible for orchestrating sinister schemes and leading assaults against those who dare oppose their kind. The council's composition includes warlords from the Four Great Clans alongside seven lesser lords, each playing a crucial role in the governance of their species. Tasked with the formidable challenge of unifying the Greater and Lesser Clans under a singular banner, the Council of Thirteen's authority spans the entirety of the Skaven Under-Empire. Yet, the dream of a united Skaven nation remains elusive, thwarted by incessant conflicts and rivalries amongst the clans. Were it not for this internal strife, the Skaven might have achieved their "Great Ascendancy" over the surface worlds long ago. Instead, their own discord has inadvertently spared the lands of Nehwon from their dominion. The heart of this council lies in Skavenblight, the capital city cloaked in shadow and intrigue. Here, within a chamber carved from pure warpstone and inscribed with the decrees of The Horned Rat, the Lords of Decay convene. The council table, shaped in a vast horseshoe, accommodates twelve seats, arranged by rank; the most influential members sit at the extremes, while the central seats are reserved for those of lesser stature. The thirteenth seat, a symbol of The Horned Rat's omnipresence, serves as the ultimate arbiter in council decisions. This sacred seat's verdict is often voiced through a Grey Seer, granting these mystical emissaries substantial influence within the council's deliberations. Meetings of the Council of Thirteen are held regularly, convening at least monthly, with additional sessions during times of war or crisis. These gatherings are crucial for strategizing, resolving political quandaries, and deciding the collective fate of the Skaven race. Political maneuvering is as much a part of these meetings as the discussions themselves, with alliances formed and dissolved under the watchful eyes of all members. Despite appearances of unity, true consensus is rare, only achieved in moments of grave peril or when the will of The Horned Rat directly guides their hand.