Davros' Dalek Empire

The creator commands his children to purge the universe of all life.

Davros' Dalek Empire refers to the specific factions of the Dalek race that operate under the direct command or influence of their creator, Davros. Originating from the Kaleds on Skaro during a thousand-year war with the Thals, these entities were engineered by Davros as 'Mark III travel machines' housing mutated tentacled creatures. While the broader Dalek species often functions independently, this grouping is uniquely defined by its connection to the megalomaniac scientist who believes he can become the supreme being of the Universe. The Empire represents a volatile intersection where biological mutation meets artificial casing, serving as both an army and a reflection of Davros' twisted vision.

Quick Facts

Leader: Davros
Homeworld: Skaro
Key adversary: The Doctor
Affiliation: Dalek Race

Lore & Background

The history of this faction is marked by dramatic cycles of creation, betrayal, and resurrection. In their origin serial Genesis of the Daleks, Davros arranged for the extinction of his own people before the Daleks turned on him, shooting him as he tried to halt the production line. However, in Destiny of the Daleks, it was revealed he survived in suspended animation underground. The Daleks later unearthed him to break a logical impasse against the Movellans, only for Davros to release a virus that nearly wiped out his own creations.

His ambition evolved into distinct factions; by Revelation of the Daleks, he created white-armoured Daleks loyal solely to him while using lesser intellects as food. This culminated in Remembrance of the Daleks, where Davros, physically transplanted into a customised Dalek casing, led 'Imperial Daleks' against the grey 'Renegade Dalek' faction. The conflict ended when the Seventh Doctor tricked Davros into using the Hand of Omega, causing Skaro's sun to go supernova and destroying their mothership.

Reader's Guide

To understand this faction, one must recognize its fluid nature and internal contradictions. Originating from Skaro, the Daleks were designed by Davros during a bitter war, with their initial design inspired by his own self-designed mobile life-support chair. The hierarchy is notoriously unstable; while Davros positions himself as the supreme architect, often acting as the Emperor Dalek in a gold casing, the standard Dalek doctrine prioritizes purity over loyalty to an individual.

This leads to frequent schisms, such as the civil war between Imperial and Renegade Daleks, or the Daleks' attempt to execute their creator after he served his purpose against the Movellans. Their primary adversary is the Doctor, who has thwarted them from Genesis of the Daleks through the Time War. A key turning point in modern lore occurred in 2023 when executive producer Russell T. Davies decided to depict Davros without his wheelchair or scarring for future appearances, aiming to avoid associating disability with evil, a decision that received divisive reception among fans.

Did You Know?

Michael Wisher, the original actor for Davros, based his performance on the philosopher Bertrand Russell and rehearsed with a paper bag over his head to prepare for the heavy mask.
In the 2023 minisode 'Destination: Skaro', Davros was depicted as non-disabled and without scarring, marking a deliberate departure from previous portrayals to avoid harmful tropes.
Davros' original wheelchair design served as an obvious inspiration for the shape of the Dalek travel machines he created.
During the episode Resurrection of the Daleks, Davros used a syringe-like mind control device hidden in a secret compartment within his wheelchair to control others.