Fiction:The Firmament/Skialk Shadowmaul

"There is no such-such thing as Skialk Shadowmaul. We make you think there is because it suits our interests."

- Assassin creed of Clan Shivus, protecting their master's identity

Skialk Shadowmaul is the rakash lord of Clan Shivus, one of the great clans of the Skitterfall, and one of the ultimate leaders of the entire Under-Empire.

History
Skialk Shadowmaul's history is shrouded in myth; assassins from Clan Shivus go through immense lengths to protect their master's past, and among the lower castes of the Under-Empire, he is little more than a fairy tale; some even believe him to be multiple rats, all claiming the same name. Skialk's existence is fact, however, for he sits in the Council of Clans, but even his fellow clan-lords know nothing of him.

Features
Skialk is a slim ratman of average size, sporting mangy dark brown fur which is covered by a leathery assassin's drab which leaves only his glowing red eyes, claws and tail exposed. His outfit is covered in demonic sigils which cause him to 'blur' in the darkness, allowing Skialk to very easily hide in shadows so long as not exposed to a source of light. He wields a total of three shortswords in combat; one in each hand and a third one in his tail.

Considered the greatest assassin of Skitterfall, Skialk revels in secrecy, blackmail and murder. While obliged to serve the Council of Clans, he has little interest in the politicking of his fellow clan-lords. He is the only rat clan-lord who can feasibly be approached by outsiders, often by those wishing to hire the service of Clan Shivus for illicit reasons, though even the bravest among such individuals are wary not to provoke the ire of the Duskmaster; failure to uphold your end of the bargain may result in your entire family going missing, if not worse.

Relations

 * Allies
 * Vetch of Ten-Thousand Plagues - Skialk acknowledges the old priest's council so long as it suits his interests.


 * Ambivalent
 * Kaltretch Thane-Slayer - Skialk sends assassins after Kaltretch every so often to keep him on his toes.
 * Zhakch the Plaguelord - The Duskmaster understands Zhakch's role as a prophet, but prefers serving the Rat King in his own subtle ways.
 * Xuk Verminbone - Skialk sees great use in working closely with Clan Chemicus, using their tools whenever possible.


 * Enemies
 * N/A