Title: The Snake Bites Clan: A Study in Savage Survival – Part One
Born from the blood of ritual and the venomous bite of a snake, the Orcs of the Snake Bites Clan are a testament to resilience. Their bodies have become immune to virtually all toxins, save for the most potent, thanks to this ritual and a series of subsequent snake bites. This bizarre, yet effective, method of inoculation has fostered a unique bond between these Orcs and the venomous creatures of the 40k galaxy.
Whether it be venomous snakes, spiders, or other toxic beasts, you’ll find them in the company of the Snake Bites Clan – always. This ever-present, slithering entourage is continually replenished from world to world, ensuring the Clan always has a sufficient supply of their toxic companions. Perhaps this collection of living, venomous creatures is linked to the Clan’s status as the best breeder of Grots and Squigs among all Orcs. Their expertise in producing feed for the enormous Squigs is unparalleled, and their handlers are among the few who can keep these gigantic creatures in check, be it on the battlefield or during space voyages.
The Snake Bites are not known for settling, their nomadic lifestyle often sees them leaving a planet as soon as the enemy has been defeated. Some Imperial Scholars suggest this could be a remnant of original Orc culture before their contact with the wider galaxy. Their primitive way of life has resulted in the most advanced weapons ending up in the hands of the Gretchen, who must decipher their workings. The Orcs, on the other hand, favor melee weaponry and brute force over firearms – a strategy that has proven effective for the Snake Bites.
Their battlefield tactic is straightforward yet deceptively lethal. First, they send hordes of Squigs and Grots to distract the enemy and deplete their ammunition. Then, the Orcs enter the fray, finishing off the survivors with their characteristic brutality.
During their travels gathering strange and poisonous creatures across the galaxy, the Snake Bites Clan encountered the Tyranids, an encounter that gave birth to a new Orc tribe: the Worm Killer Tribe. The story of this tribe’s formation is often shared by the Snake Bite’s handlers.
One day, while hunting on a remote jungle world, the tribe found a strange spore covered in amber. Bringing it aboard their ship, they cracked it open to release hundreds of small Tyranid organisms. The Snake Bites reveled in the challenge of hunting these creatures, as their numbers seemed to multiply with each kill. However, other Orcs, members of other clans, did not share the Snake Bites’ enthusiasm.
As their Cruiser quickly transformed into a dangerous Tyranid jungle, most Orcs, save for the Snake Bites, were devoured. Those who survived became experienced hunters of this type of Xenos. In the end, almost all the Tyranids were killed, and the survivors united, forming the Worm Killer Tribe. Adorned with Tyranid skulls and utilizing their claws as weapons, the tribe members quickly grew bored of their routine hunts aboard the space-faring warship.
Yearning for a broader hunting ground, they released the remaining Tyranids onto the first available planet. As members of other clans primarily fought humans, the Snake Bites ensured that the Tyranids bred prolifically. When the humans were defeated, the tribe’s Orcs found that the planet had enough Tyranids to provide a good hunt. According to Imperial records, the Worm Killer Tribe has infested over a dozen planets, considerably expanding their hunting grounds.
Snake Bites tribes typically prefer to fight alone, but some are eager to join the Waaagh! of a stronger and more famous War Boss, such as Gazul Mag Uruk Thraka. Such was the case with the tribe of Snake Bites and Savage Orcs residing on the world of Kar. Their isolated existence might have continued had Gazul not been seized by an inexplicable desire to visit their world before his campaign on Octarius.
When the prophet of the Waaagh! landed, crowds of Orcs adorned with strange tattoos and piercings greeted him as a god. After a ceremonial hunt of a strange beast, the Orc warlord Graa Mighty, who ruled the planet, gifted all his Orcs to Gazul, strengthening his Waaagh! with new vigor. However, not every Orc is loyal to the champion chosen by the gods. War Boss Grut Brog, upon Gazul’s return, was not quick to join him. The stubborn and proud leader openly refused to submit to Gazul, a defiance he would soon pay for…
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