The Red Moon of Morrslieb

Lore & Background

Morrslieb is not a natural moon but a celestial manifestation of Chaos, its green hue a reflection of the warpstone that rains down upon the world during its phases. In Skaven mythology, Morrslieb is sacred, as warpstone is the lifeblood of their civilization—used for magic, technology, and even sustenance. The moon's erratic orbit and unpredictable glow are said to cause madness in humans and beasts, while Skaven thrive under its light, their mutations and rituals empowered by its influence. The Ubersreik Five and other heroes have long noted that Skaven attacks often intensify when Morrslieb is full, as the moon's energy emboldens the ratmen and weakens the barriers between reality and the Warp.

In Their Own Story

The night was still, save for the distant chittering of Skaven. Above, Morrslieb hung low and bloated, its sickly green light spilling over the ruins of Ubersreik like a plague. Victor Saltzpyre looked up, his hand gripping his rapier. 'The Chaos Moon is full,' he muttered. 'The rats will be bold tonight.' As if on cue, a wave of Skaven burst from the shadows, their eyes gleaming with warpstone-fueled fury. The battle that followed was brutal, the green light casting eerie shadows as the heroes fought back-to-back, knowing that Morrslieb's gaze was a promise of worse to come.

Reader's Guide

Morrslieb is referenced throughout Vermintide in dialogue and item descriptions, often tied to Skaven activity and warpstone. Players may notice the moon's phase changing in certain levels, such as 'The Skittergate' or 'Into the Nest,' where its green light intensifies the atmosphere. In Warhammer Fantasy lore, Morrslieb is a key element of the Skaven's power, as warpstone—the green rock that falls from the moon—is used in everything from Skaven weapons to their magic. Vermintide simplifies this by using Morrslieb as a narrative device to explain the heightened Skaven aggression during key missions. The moon's appearance also ties into the broader Chaos narrative, hinting at the End Times events that unfold in the background of the game's story. For fans, Morrslieb serves as a visual reminder of the ever-present threat of Chaos, its green glow a constant in the grim skies of the Old World.

Did You Know?

• Morrslieb is often called the 'Chaos Moon' or 'Dark Moon' in Warhammer lore, distinct from the larger, white Mannslieb.
• Warpstone, the green mineral that falls from Morrslieb, is highly toxic to humans but is a primary resource for Skaven technology and magic.
• In Skaven mythology, Morrslieb is believed to be a giant warpstone orb, and its phases directly influence the strength of Skaven sorcery.
• The moon's erratic orbit is said to cause madness in those who gaze upon it too long, a common theme in Warhammer Fantasy stories.