The number four warlord of Clan Rictus was powerful, fast and insanely ambitious. The black-furred leader did not envision himself ruling Crookback Mountain, the stronghold of his clan, but something far greater. He wanted to replace the Clan Rictus Lord of Decay, Kratch Doomclaw. He did not just desire to be the most dominant of all Warlord Clans; he wished to usurp the Greater Clans themselves. With his war-litter, his re-plated dwarf armour and his warpstone-forged sword, Rikcruk backed up his aspirations with swift violence.[1a]