Narrative Review – Orks (Part 1)

In the grim darkness of the 41st Millennium, the Orks stand as a relentless force of destruction, their Waaaghs! sweeping across the galaxy in a tide of violence and mayhem. The new rules introduced for Orks in the Warhammer 40,000 Crusade system delve deep into the lore and mechanics of these brutal greenskins, offering players the chance to lead their own Waaagh! and unleash chaos upon the battlefield.

Launching The WAAAGH!:

The concept of the Waaagh! embodies the Orks’ insatiable appetite for war and conquest. Led by a Waaagh!Boss, these massive gatherings of Ork warbands have the potential to lay waste to entire systems. As the Waaagh! grows, so does its power and influence, but with size comes unpredictability, as described in the Orky Ructions section, adding a layer of narrative depth to Ork Crusade forces.

Waaagh!Boss:

Players choose a WARBOSS unit to lead their Waaagh!, granting it the WAAAGH!BOSS keyword. This designation unlocks unique upgrades and interactions with Ork Crusade rules. If the Waaagh!Boss is lost, another WARBOSS unit must step up, underscoring the importance of leadership in Ork society.

Tracking Stompin’ Points:

Stompin’ points serve as a measure of the Waaagh!’s size and influence, earned through various actions and victories. Players accrue Stompin’ points through the following methods:

• Increasing the Supply Limit: Reflects the ability of the Waaagh! to sustain larger and more diverse forces.
• Winning battles: Demonstrates the Waaagh!’s martial prowess and dominance on the battlefield.
• Defeating enemy Warlords: Symbolizes the Orks’ quest for supremacy and the elimination of rival leaders.
• ORKS CHARACTER units reaching Legendary rank: Highlights the exceptional deeds and growing legend of Ork heroes within the Waaagh!.

The accumulation of Stompin’ points reflects the growing strength and resources of the Orks, allowing them to unleash more devastating attacks and command greater respect among their peers.

Stage Of The WAAAGH!:

As Stompin’ points accumulate, the Waaagh! progresses through stages, each offering unique bonuses and challenges:

1. Gathering WAAAGH!: The initial stage sees Orks drawn together by a visionary leader, eager for violence and bloodshed. No Orky Ructions occur at this stage, as the Waaagh! is still in its infancy.
2. Escalating WAAAGH!: The Waaagh! begins to spread its influence across worlds, fueling rivalries and competition among Ork mobs. At this stage, players gain access to Kustom Jobs for their vehicles, reflecting the growing technological prowess of the Orks.
3. Thunderous WAAAGH!: The Orks mass in overwhelming numbers, their war cries drowning out all other sounds. At this stage, the Waaagh!Boss can be equipped with powerful Bestest Bossloot Crusade Relics, enhancing their combat prowess.
4. All-Conquering WAAAGH!: The Waaagh! reaches its zenith, dominating entire sectors of space with its ferocious onslaught. Orky Ructions become more severe, reflecting the challenges of maintaining control over such a vast and unruly horde.

Orky Ructions:

The chaotic nature of the Orks is encapsulated in the concept of Orky Ructions, representing the internal strife and unpredictability inherent in a Waaagh!. After battles, players face Ruction tests, with success or failure leading to minor or major disruptions, adding a narrative twist to gameplay and reflecting the tumultuous nature of Ork society.

Minor Ructions:

1. Unruly Mobs: Select two ORKS INFANTRY units from your Order of Battle with the lowest XP, then roll one D6 for each of those units. The unit that rolls higher gains 2XP; the other unit must take an Out of Action test.
2. Reckless Meks: Select one ORKS VEHICLE unit from your Order of Battle. Treat that unit as if it had just failed an Out of Action test. You can then select one MEK unit from your Order of Battle to gain 2XP.
3. Impatient Irritability: During your next battle, reduce the Leadership characteristic of ORKS units from your Crusade army by 1.
4. Thievin’ Gits: Select one ORKS CHARACTER model from your Order of Battle that has an Enhancement or Crusade Relic. Until the end of the next battle, that model cannot use that Enhancement or Crusade Relic. If you win the battle, that CHARACTER model gains 3XP.
5. Rowdy Yoofs: The next time you purchase the Increase Supply Limit Requisition, it costs 1 additional Requisition point.
6. Confrazzled by Mind Monsters: During your next battle, at the start of the battle round, ORKS PSYKER units from your Crusade army that start your Command phase on the battlefield must take a Battle-shock test, even if their unit is not Below Half-strength. After the battle, each ORKS PSYKER unit from your Crusade army that is not destroyed gains 3XP.

Major Ructions:

1. Ruckus in Da Ranks: Select one ORKS INFANTRY unit from your Order of Battle; that unit gains one Battle Scar.
2. External Combustion Test: Select one ORKS VEHICLE unit from your Order of Battle; that unit gains one Battle Scar.
3. Last Boss Standin’: Select two ORKS CHARACTER units from your Order of Battle. The unit that rolls higher gains 3XP; the other unit gains D3 Battle Scars.
4. Unstable Discharge: Reduce your Stompin’ points by 10. Select one WEIRDBOY or WURRBOY model from your Order of Battle; that model gains one Battle Scar.
5. Fizzlin’ Momentum: During your next battle, you cannot use the Waaagh! army rule in the first or second battle rounds.
6. Lost in Da Warp: Reduce your Requisition points to 0. If your number of Requisition points is already 0, reduce your Stompin’ points by 10 instead.

Conclusion:

The new Crusade rules for Orks in Warhammer 40,000 provide players with a comprehensive and immersive experience, allowing them to embody the savage brutality and anarchic energy of these iconic greenskins. From leading a rampaging Waaagh! to navigating the tumultuous internal dynamics of Ork society, players are immersed in a narrative-rich gaming experience that captures the essence of the Orks in the 41st Millennium.

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