Skaven Clan Eshin

Lore & Background

Clan Eshin is renowned among Skaven for its mastery of stealth and murder, having honed their arts through centuries of clandestine warfare. Unlike other clans that rely on brute force or warpstone-fueled technology, Eshin assassins are trained from birth in the ways of the shadow, using poisons, throwing stars, and garrotes to eliminate enemies. Their hierarchy is built on fear and paranoia, with each assassin constantly watching for betrayal from rivals within the clan—a single misstep can mean a poisoned meal or a blade in the dark. They are the Skaven's answer to the need for precision strikes, often hired by other clans or the Council of Thirteen to remove troublesome individuals or destabilize enemy strongholds, leaving no trace but a corpse and the faint scent of warpstone.

In Their Own Story

The night air in Ubersreik was thick with the stench of decay, but the Gutter Runner cared not. Perched atop a crumbling chimney, it watched the tavern below, its red eyes gleaming. The man—a dwarf, by the sound of his booming laugh—was the target. With a flick of its wrist, a poisoned blade slid into its paw. It leaped, silent as a falling leaf, landing on the roof with a soft thud. Below, the dwarf raised his tankard, unaware. The Runner crept closer, savoring the moment—the kill would be clean, the payment sweet. Then a crossbow bolt whistled past, shattering a tile. 'Eshin scum!' a voice roared. The assassin hissed, melting back into the shadows—the hunt would continue another night.

Reader's Guide

In *Vermintide*, Clan Eshin serves as the primary enemy faction in Act 2, which takes place in the blighted streets and sewers of Ubersreik. Their forces include Gutter Runners (fast, stealthy assassins that can teleport and deal heavy damage), Assassins (similar but with more health), and Rat Ogres (brutal monsters used as shock troops). Unlike in the broader Warhammer canon, where Eshin is purely a shadowy clan, the game portrays them as a direct combat threat, often ambushing players from ceilings or dark corners—listen for the telltale skittering or the whisper of a blade. They interact with other Skaven clans by providing support—such as deploying Gutter Runners to disrupt the heroes during battles with Clan Fester or Clan Skryre, turning a chaotic fight into a deadly game of cat and mouse. Their goal in the game is to eliminate the Ubersreik Five to prevent them from uncovering the Skaven's plans for the city. The hierarchy is simple: Gutter Runners are the foot soldiers, while Assassins are elite units, and Rat Ogres are controlled by Eshin handlers. The game emphasizes their speed and stealth, making them a dangerous foe in tight spaces—always check your corners, and never stand still.

Did You Know?

• Clan Eshin's training includes using warpstone dust to enhance reflexes, but it also drives them mad over time.
• The Gutter Runner's iconic 'teleport' ability is actually a form of warpstone-enhanced speed, not true teleportation.
• In Vermintide 2, Clan Eshin is notably absent as a major faction, replaced by the Rotbloods and other Skaven clans.
• Deathmaster Snikch, the legendary Eshin assassin, was added as a playable character in Total War: Warhammer II, but does not appear in Vermintide.