Skavens (Ratmen, Rat-folk)— mutant humans inhabiting the northern section of the Grey Line (Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya). They are described and featured as characters in the novel Juliet Without a Name (the cover of which depicts a Skaven).

Description

Skavens, also known throughout in the rest of the Metro by the nicknames “rat-folk” or “ratmen,” represent a distinct population of mutant humans living on the northern stretch of the Serpukhovsko-Timiryazevskaya Line, from Petrovsko-Razumovskaya to Altufyevo stations.

The name “Skaven” was popularized by a resident of Otradnoye station, who borrowed the term from the Warhammer Fantasy Battles universe. In the scientific circles of Polis, they are referred by the Latin name Homo-rattus sapiens, which literally means “Wise Rat-man.”

History

The history of this community is inextricably linked to the tragic events of the first years following the nuclear war (in 2014). When massive swarms of mutant rats surged from the depths toward the Circle Line, they swept away everything in their path, capturing station after station. The main bulk of the “Grey Horde” was only stopped by flamethrowers on the approaches to Savyolovskaya. (Note: A young Artyom lived at this station at the time; that invasion left him with lifelong ratophobia.)

All survivors of this invasion were infected with rat genes. A pseudo-virus known as “Biomorph” made horizontal gene transfer possible between the rats and humans. (https://lemmy.world/post/44620460)

When the bitten survivors attempted to seek help from the residents of other stations, they were met with bullets at the checkpoints due to fears of spreading a plague. Those who managed to survive the illness in isolation were physically changed forever, becoming outcasts in the eyes of the rest of the Metro.

Physiology

One of the key features of their biology is an incredible resistance to radiation. Skavens are capable of going to the surface without protective suits or masks, giving them a colossal advantage over ordinary humans.

The physical appearance of the Skavens is not uniform; it presents a visual timeline of gradual evolution and deepening mutation from one generation to the next. The changes can be categorized by generations:

  • The First Generation (The “Survivors”): These are the people who personally witnessed the Catastrophe and survived the rat bites and subsequent epidemic. Externally, they are almost indistinguishable from other Metro dwellers. Their true nature is revealed only by details: their irises have turned black and reflect a reddish tint in the light. Additionally, their nail plates have become significantly thicker and stronger, evolving into something resembling rat claws.
  • The Second Generation (e.g., “Krysya” on the book cover): Mutations are much more pronounced, though human features are still recognizable. Their eyes have completely transformed—the whites (sclera) are gone, and the eyeball is filled with a reflective pigment that allows them to see in absolute darkness but makes them vulnerable to bright light. The facial structure begins to deform: the bones elongate, noses become small and flat, and the ears shift higher than those of normal humans. Prominent front incisors and fully formed claws are also characteristic of this generation.
  • The Third Generation: These individuals undergo the most radical changes, their faces resembling rat snouts more than human countenances. Their facial bones are maximally elongated, and animalistic eyes without whites, combined with sharp incisors, complete the non-human image. Some individuals begin to grow thick fur over their bodies. There are signs of rudimentary tails appearing and the lengthening of the feet, which may indicate an early stage of transitioning to a digitigrade gait (They can’t wear human shoes anymore.).
  • The fourth generation hasn’t been born yet, but if the current trend continues, they will look significantly more like actual rats. Some speculate that by the eighth or tenth generation, our Metro Skavens may become almost indistinguishable from their infamous cousins in Warhammer Fantasy.

Politics

Contrary to the popular belief that Skavens are mindless, wild beasts, they have created their own civilization with its own micro-states:

  1. SKAVEN STATIONS COMMONWEALTH (S.S.C.): Comprising Otradnoye, Bibirevo, and Vladykino. This is a federative republic built on principles of equality, mutual aid, and collective management. The highest authority is the Council, consisting of two representatives from each station. The role of Chairman rotates constantly to prevent a dictatorship. The Commonwealth is focused on preserving the remnants of pre-war culture: they emphasize education, sports, and even art—for example, Bibirevo station has a theater that performs Shakespeare. However, beneath this civilized exterior lies a readiness for total defense; the spirit of patriotism is so high that in times of danger, everyone—including women and teenagers—takes up arms.

  2. THE NORTHERN EMIRATE (N.E.): Located at Petrovsko-Razumovskaya station. The N.E. is the most rigid and hierarchical Skaven state. This society lives under the strict laws of a theocratic, quasi-Islamic order which, over years of isolation, has acquired specific, sometimes distorted post-apocalyptic traits. All secular and spiritual power is concentrated in the hands of the Emir. The social structure is based on a caste system and slavery:

  • “Black Skavens” (descendants of people of Middle Eastern/Caucasian origin): Free citizens.

  • “Yellow Skavens” (descendants of Asian origins, such as Kazakhs or Vietnamese): Held in the position of slaves.

  • “White Skavens” (descendants of Russians and other Europeans): Most migrated to the S.S.C.

  • The status of women in the N.E. is tied to that of their male relative (husband or father).

Their economy is built on mining jewelry and gold for trade with the S.S.C. A central pillar of their ideology is the “Ghaza” (holy war) against the Humans-Satanists settled at Timiryazevskaya, whom the Skavens call “Sons of Shaitan.”

  1. ALTUFYEVO LIBERTINES: Located at the far north of the Grey Line, this is a haven for outcasts, escaped slaves from the Emirate, and adventurers of all stripes. Originally a zone of permanent chaos, power was seized in 2024 by Stanislav Kozhin, known as “Kozhan” (The Leatherman). He established a regime resembling a wolf pack or a criminal gang, where “might makes right.” Their economy is parasitic: they survive by robbing S.S.C. caravans, hunting Hansa stalkers, and raiding neighboring territories. Despite the constant conflict, Altufyevo occasionally enters situational alliances and trades with both the S.S.C. and the Emirate to maintain a fragile balance of power.

Relation to the Rest of Humanity

The relationship between Skavens and the inhabitants of the Great Metro is characterized by deep mutual hatred. Skavens refer to ordinary humans as “the Clean” and cannot forgive the betrayal of 2014, when they were abandoned to die and effectively erased from Metro history, declared dead.

From the perspective of “normal” humans, Skavens were long considered merely dangerous monsters. Stalkers adhered to the rule: “A good rat-man is a dead rat-man,” especially after several Polis expeditions attempting to make contact disappeared without a trace.

Later, when Hansa intelligence and Polis authorities realized the potential value of Skavens as radiation-immune guides, attempts were made to negotiate, but all failed. Currently, interest in them is maintained primarily by scientists seeking a live specimen to study the mechanisms of their biological resilience.