Bob: Just when you think you’ve got Orcs all figured out, here come these extra orcy Orcs.
Jim: They take the Orc formula and turn it up to 11… HUNDRED!
Bob: That’s ridiculous, Jim, but it’s also true. I didn’t even know Black Orcs could count any higher than 3…
Now that we’ve seen the fancy-pants* Human team, it’s time to take a look at the REAL stars of the new edition – the Black Orcs.
Bigger, tougher, stronger, and even smarter** than your run-of-the-mill Orc, Black Orcs are the pinnacle of greenskin evolution. The name refers to their grim demeanour – they’re prone to taking things a little too seriously and being generally grumpy compared to their smaller, more anarchic kin. On the other hand, Black Orc teams tend towards a more disciplined approach to training and utilise kunnin’ plays, even as they smash the opposition into the dirt (which, it has to be said, they’re REALLY good at – after all, no greenskin krumps quite like a Black Orc!).
Black Orcs play to win. They can get frustrated by rowdy and frivolous Orcs, so would often rather form their own teams. They know they’re not as fast or nimble as some other teams, but they’re nothing short of peerless when it comes to bashing a hole in the line of scrimmage*** for a smaller player to run through, which is why they use Goblins to boost their running game (and to keep the Troll entertained with something to throw). And these aren’t your typical Trolls and Goblins either – they’re highly trained**** and more reliable than the ones you’re used to seeing on the pitch. When it comes down to it, there are few better motivators on the training ground than a bunch of angry Black Orcs ready to give you a kicking if you don’t take it seriously!
If you think Black Orcs sound mean, just wait until you meet Varag Ghoul-Chewer, one of the biggest and nastiest of the biggest and nastiest orcs around. This legendary Star Player is ready to lead the Black Orcs to victory on the pitch – preferably over the broken bodies of the opposition!
If might makes right for Orcs, Varag Ghoul-Chewer is arguably the rightest of the lot! A superlative athlete with an established and well-deserved reputation for violence on the pitch, his mere presence strikes fear into opposing teams. These days, Varag’s playing for the Thunder Valley Greenskins, one of the top Black Orc teams around.
It’s a great time to be a greenskin. Not one, but TWO new teams are on their way to establish the range of what this versatile culture can produce in terms of Blood Bowl players. Who’s the other one? Oh, we’re obviously referring to Snotlings! They’ll be hitting the line of scrimmage just as soon as they can figure out where the stadium is supposed to be!
Bob: Jim, these Black Orcs are no laughing matter.
Jim: You don’t have to tell me twice, Bob. They can’t take a joke but they can take a hit – and give it back twice as hard!
Bob: Keep both eyes on the Thunder Valley Greenskins this season. They’ve got a bone to pick with their doubters. Or maybe that’s just Varag’s snack…
* Literally. Have you SEEN their pants?
** Or at least they like to think so.
*** Pulling off an opposing player’s limb and using it to bludgeon their teammates is a favoured tactic of the Black Orcs, and according to official regulations, it doesn’t even count as using a Secret Weapon!
**** By normal Troll and Goblin standards, anyway.