Skarbrand

Lore & Background

Skarbrand's narrative is rooted in his desire to repair a broken relationship with his deity. As the Exiled One, he carries the weight of a past betrayal that cost him Khorne's favor. His specific goal in Total War: Warhammer III is to retrieve the skull of Ursun, who has been imprisoned by Be'lakor in the Realm of Chaos. Skarbrand believes that delivering this trophy will finally earn him forgiveness for his transgressions. He is driven solely by this objective, ignoring other political conflicts or the fates of other factions unless they stand between him and his goal. His existence is a constant state of seeking redemption through the only currency Khorne accepts: blood and skulls.

In Their Own Story

The campaign reveals that Skarbrand's journey leads him to the Forge of Souls within the Realm of Chaos, where Ursun is held captive. While other factions like Kislev or Grand Cathay seek to free the god for their own survival or knowledge, Skarbrand has a different aim. He plans to slay the Bear-God and take his skull as an offering. The narrative confirms that even if he succeeds in delivering the skull to Khorne, the Blood God does not forgive him for his betrayal. This outcome renders Skarbrand's immense efforts in vain, leaving him with his trophy but still exiled from full favor. His story concludes with him delivering the skull while Khorne revels in the offering yet maintains his stance on Skarbrand's unforgiven status.

Reader's Guide

For players controlling Skarbrand, the primary objective is to invade the four domains of the Chaos Gods and capture the soul of a Daemon Prince bound to each. This process is necessary to reach the Forge of Souls where Ursun resides. The campaign requires the player to battle through the Realms of Chaos, eventually confronting Be'lakor's army before slaying the Dark Master. Skarbrand's unique victory condition involves delivering Ursun's skull to Khorne. However, players should be aware that the canonical outcome reveals this offering does not grant forgiveness for his past betrayal. The gameplay focuses on navigating the Chaos Wastes and engaging in real-time tactics battles against daemon-infested forces to achieve this specific narrative conclusion.

Did You Know?

• Skarbrand is the greatest of all Bloodthirsters.
• He seeks to gift Ursun's skull to Khorne to earn forgiveness for his betrayal in the past.
• Despite delivering the skull, Khorne does not forgive Skarbrand for his betrayal.
• Skarbrand is known as the Exiled One.
• His goal is part of a larger plot where Be'lakor intends to absorb Ursun's power.