Ork Nobz: The Biggest and Baddest Boyz in Warhammer 40k

Introduction In the brutal world of Warhammer 40k, where might makes right, the Orks reign supreme as the most savage and warlike race. Among these green-skinned brutes, there exists a hierarchy based on size and strength. Near the top of this pecking order are the Ork Nobz – massive, musclebound warriors who command their smaller brethren through sheer physical dominance and cunning brutality.

We’ve had the pleasure (and pain) of facing off against these formidable foes on the tabletop battlefield. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the lore and tactics of Ork Nobz, exploring what makes them such a force to be reckoned with.

Interested in building your own Ork army? Checkout the Best Ork Starter Sets for Warhammer 40k

Key Takeaways:

• Nobz are larger, stronger Ork Boyz with authority over other Orks
• Nobz lead mobs of Boyz, form elite squads, or serve as Warboss bodyguards
• Meganobz wear powerful Mega Armour and wield heavy weapons
• Nob Warbikers ride customized Warbikes into battle
• Beast Snagga Nobz lead Beast Snagga Orks riding Smasha Squigs

What are Ork Nobz?

Nobz are the larger, meaner, and more heavily armed Ork Boyz who have fought their way up the social ladder through displays of strength, savagery, and leadership. While still subservient to the almighty Warboss, Nobz occupy a position of authority among their fellow greenskins.

The term “Nob” is believed to be derived from the Low Gothic word “noble,” though mangled by the Orks’ crude language into something more befitting their brutish nature.

To become a Nob, an Ork Boy must prove himself in battle time and time again. With each victory and display of dominance, the Ork grows physically larger and more imposing, as if feeding off the respect (and fear) of his subordinates.

This growth continues until the Nob is put in his place by a rival or the Warboss himself, often through a brutal bare-knuckle brawl or a traditional “Eadbuttin’ Kontest.”

The Role of Nobz in Ork Society

Nobz serve as the intermediaries between the Warboss and the rank-and-file Boyz. They maintain order (or at least what passes for order among Orks) through a combination of intimidation, violence, and the promise of a good scrap.

Some Nobz lead their own mobs of Boyz into battle, relishing the opportunity to exert their authority and prove their worth. Others form the retinue of the Warboss, acting as his trusted advisors and bodyguards.

On the battlefield, Nobz can be found at the forefront of the Ork horde, bellowing orders and inspiring their troops through acts of reckless bravery and wanton destruction. They are often the first to engage the enemy, their massive frames and devastating weaponry carving a path of carnage through the opposing lines.

Nobz also serve as the primary consumers and distributors of wealth within Ork society. They demand the best gear, the flashiest trophies, and the lion’s share of the loot.

Many a successful Mekboy has made his fortune by catering to the extravagant tastes of his warband’s Nobz, crafting custom weapons, vehicles, and armor in exchange for teef (the Ork currency) and protection.

Types of Nobz

While all Nobz are formidable in their own right, there are several distinct types that warrant special mention:

Meganobz: The richest and most battle-hardened Nobz often invest in suits of Mega Armour – massive, piston-driven exoskeletons that turn their wearers into walking tanks. Meganobz are nigh-invulnerable to small arms fire and can shrug off even direct hits from anti-tank weapons. They are often armed with devastating Power Klaws or Killsaws, capable of ripping through armor and flesh with ease.

Nob Bikers: Some Nobz, particularly those of the Evil Sunz or Speed Freeks klans, take to the battlefield atop heavily customized Warbikes. These Nob Bikers combine the speed and firepower of their mounts with their own considerable combat prowess, tearing through enemy lines like a green-skinned battering ram.

Beast Snagga Nobz: The most savage and primal of the Nobz, Beast Snagga Nobz lead their fellow Beast Snaggas into battle atop ferocious Smasha Squigs. These Squig-riding berserkers embody the Orkish love of extreme violence and wanton destruction, charging headlong into the fray with no regard for their own safety.

The Orkish Hierarchy: Where Do Nobz Fit In?

In the brutal and unforgiving society of the Orks, might makes right, and size is everything. At the top of this hierarchy sits the Warboss, the biggest, meanest, and most cunning of all Orks. Beneath him are the Nobz, who enforce his rule and lead mobs of lesser greenskins into battle.

But even among Nobz, there is a pecking order. The largest and most battle-hardened Nobz form the Warboss’s personal retinue, acting as his bodyguards and advisors. These “Mega Armoured” Nobz, or Meganobz, are the ultimate status symbol, clad in piston-driven exoskeletons that render them all but invulnerable to small arms fire.

Below the Meganobz are the “regular” Nobz, who lead their own mobs of Boyz or serve as specialists within the warband. Nob Bikers, for example, ride to battle atop heavily customized Warbikes, using their speed and firepower to devastating effect. Banner Nobz, on the other hand, carry the warband’s battle standard, inspiring their fellow Orks to even greater acts of violence and brutality.

At the bottom of the Nob hierarchy are the “Skarboyz” – Orks who have yet to fully prove themselves in battle but show promise as future Nobz. These aspiring greenskins often form their own mobs, eager to earn the respect (and fear) of their fellow Orks through acts of reckless bravery and wanton destruction.

Nobz and the WAAAGH! For Orks, there is no greater joy than the WAAAGH! – a grand, sweeping invasion that occurs when a powerful Warboss gathers enough greenskins under his banner. During a WAAAGH!, Orks from different klans and warbands come together in a tsunami of green flesh, united by a common love of violence and destruction.

Nobz play a crucial role in maintaining order and discipline (relatively speaking) during a WAAAGH! They act as the Warboss’s lieutenants, enforcing his will and ensuring that the Orks’ inherent aggression and bloodlust are channeled towards the enemy. Without the Nobz to keep them in line, a WAAAGH! would quickly devolve into a chaotic mess of infighting and petty squabbles.

At the same time, Nobz also serve as an inspiration to the rank-and-file Boyz. By leading from the front and engaging in acts of reckless bravery, they demonstrate what it means to be a “proper Orky” and encourage their subordinates to greater heights of violence and brutality. In many ways, Nobz are the beating heart of a WAAAGH!, driving it forward with their unrelenting aggression and love of battle.

Famous Nobz in Warhammer 40k Lore

Throughout the history of the Warhammer 40k universe, there have been many Nobz who have left their mark on the galaxy. Here are just a few examples:

Orkimedes: Orkimedes was the right-hand man of the infamous Ork Warboss Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka. A powerful Meganob, Orkimedes was renowned for his tactical cunning and his ability to keep even the most unruly Orks in line. He played a key role in many of Ghazghkull’s campaigns, including the infamous Second and Third Wars for Armageddon.

Bolgog Dadruk: Bolgog Dadruk was a notorious Meganob who led a warband of Orks on a rampage across the Segmentum Obscurus. Known for his love of close combat, Bolgog would often charge headlong into the fray, his massive Power Klaw scything through enemy ranks like a hot knife through butter. He met his end during a raid on an Imperial forge world, but his legend lives on among the Orks.

Zodgrod Wortsnagga: Zodgrod Wortsnagga was a Bad Moon Nob who rose to prominence during the War of the Beast in the 32nd Millennium. A talented Mek as well as a fierce warrior, Zodgrod created a legion of Gargants – towering, bipedal war machines that devastated Imperial forces across several star systems. He was eventually slain by the Imperial Fists Chapter Master Koorland, but his creations would go on to inspire generations of Ork Meks.

Modeling and Painting Ork Nobz

For many hobbyists, the real joy of Warhammer 40k comes from collecting, assembling, and painting miniatures. Ork Nobz are a particular favorite among modelers, thanks to their imposing size and the wide variety of customization options available.

When building Ork Nobz, it’s important to keep in mind their role on the battlefield. Meganobz, for example, should be armed with heavy close combat weapons like Power Klaws or Killsaws, while Nob Bikers will need to be mounted on Warbikes. Consider adding personalized details like trophy racks, battle scars, or clan markings to help your Nobz stand out from the rank-and-file Boyz.

When it comes to painting, Ork Nobz offer a lot of opportunities for experimentation. The most common color schemes for Orks are based on their clan allegiances – Bad Moons, for example, tend to favor bright yellow and black, while Goffs prefer black and red. But don’t be afraid to mix things up and create your own unique color schemes. Orks are all about individuality, after all!

Orks vs. Humans: A Study in Contrast

On the surface, Ork Nobz might seem to have little in common with their human counterparts, such as Imperial Guard Sergeants or Space Marine Lieutenants. But in many ways, they serve similar roles within their respective societies.

Like human officers, Nobz are responsible for leading their troops into battle and maintaining discipline and order among their subordinates. They are expected to be an example to their fellow Orks, inspiring them to greater acts of violence and brutality through their own actions.

But that is where the similarities end. Ork Nobz are fundamentally different from human officers in both physiology and mentality. They are larger, stronger, and more resilient than even the most battle-hardened human warrior, thanks to their unique biology and the power of the WAAAGH! energy that suffuses their bodies.

Moreover, Nobz do not think or act like humans do. They have no concept of tactics or strategy beyond the most basic principles of “get stuck in” and “smash da humies.” They do not care about the welfare of their troops beyond their usefulness as cannon fodder, and they have no worries about sacrificing their own lives (or the lives of their smaller grots) in pursuit of a glorious death in battle.

In many ways, Ork Nobz are the embodiment of the Orkish philosophy of might makes right. They are the biggest, the meanest, and the most brutal of their kind, and they will stop at nothing to prove their worth and maintain their place in the hierarchy of Ork society.

Nobz Quotes and Bits of Orky Wisdom

No discussion of Ork Nobz would be complete without a few choice quotes and snippets of “Orky wisdom.” Here are some of our favorites:

“I’m da hand of Gork and Mork, dey sent me to rouse up da boyz to crush and kill ‘cos da boyz forgot what dere ‘ere for. I woz one of da boyz till da godz smashed me in da ‘ead an’ I ‘membered dat Orks is meant to conquer and make slaves of everyfing they don’t kill.”

• Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka, Ork Warboss

“Oi! You lot! Get your stinkin’ hides over ‘ere before I stamp ya into the dirt!”

• Common Nob battlecry

“Listen up, ya gitz! We’z gonna go out dere an’ show dem humies what it means to fight like an Ork! Now, get your lazy backsides moving before I give ya a good krumpin’!”

• Nob addressing his boyz before battle

“Da only fing better dan a big shoota is MORE big shootas!”

• Orkish proverb

“Orks iz made fer fightin’ and winnin’! Dey ain’t made fer muckin’ about!”

• Attributed to Warboss Gorgork ‘Eadbanger

Conclusion

Ork Nobz are a force to be reckoned with on the battlefields of the Warhammer 40k universe. These massive, musclebound warriors embody the essence of Orkish culture – a brutal, might-makes-right society where the biggest and the meanest rule supreme.

Whether clad in Mega Armour, riding to battle atop Warbikes, or leading mobs of rampaging Boyz, Nobz are the beating heart of any Ork warband. They are the enforcers of the Warboss’s will, the inspiration for the rank-and-file Boyz, and the embodiment of everything that makes Orks such a fearsome and unstoppable foe.

For hobbyists and wargamers, Ork Nobz offer a wealth of opportunities for modeling, painting, and gameplay. Their imposing size and brutal weaponry make them a joy to build and customize, while their raw power and resilience make them a formidable presence on the tabletop.

So the next time you find yourself facing down a mob of Ork Nobz, remember this: they may be brutal, they may be crude, but they are the epitome of what it means to be an Ork. And in the grim darkness of the far future, there is no greater compliment than that.

Interested in reading more about the Nobz? head over to the Warhammer 40k Wiki!

FAQ

Q: What makes Ork Nobz different from regular Ork Boyz?

A: Nobz are larger, stronger, and better-equipped than standard Ork Boyz. They have fought their way up the Orkish hierarchy through brute strength and cunning, earning the right to lead mobs of lesser greenskins.

Q: How do Ork Nobz maintain their authority over other Orks?

A: Nobz rule through a combination of physical intimidation, acts of violence, and the promise of glorious battle. They are not afraid to make bloody examples of those who challenge their authority or fail to follow orders.

Q: What role do Nobz play in Ork society?

A: Nobz serve as the intermediaries between the Warboss and the rank-and-file Boyz. They lead mobs of Orks into battle, form elite units, and act as the Warboss’s trusted enforcers and advisors.

Q: What are Meganobz, and what makes them special?

A: Meganobz are Nobz who have invested in suits of Mega Armour – massive, piston-driven exoskeletons that provide them with incredible durability and strength. They are often armed with devastating close combat weapons like Power Klaws and Killsaws.

Q: What are some tactics for dealing with Ork Nobz in battle?

A: When facing Ork Nobz, it’s important to focus fire on individual targets, exploit their lack of discipline, engage them at range, target the Warboss to sow confusion, and know when to retreat to a more defensible position.