Squig
A Squig, short for squiggly beast, is any one of a variety of bizarre organisms that exist semi-symbiotically with Orcs & Goblins and Orks alike. Fungus-based animals, their most iconic form resembles a large round ball that opens up a huge maw full of teeth, propelled by two strong legs that let it run, scramble and jump all over the place.
Night Goblins in particular like to herd huge swarms of these things onto the battlefield, as they are violently unpredictable and surprisingly dangerous.
In the 41st millenium, on the other hand, they play a somewhat different role. Some ork Warbosses will keep such squigs as personal attack animals, slavers always have trusty squig-hounds to help tame grots, and Tankbustas favor a breed that they cram full of bombs and coax to charge towards (hopefully) the enemy before blowing up.
According to the Warhammer Fantasy Roleplay splat, "Old World Bestiary", squig-meat is perfectly edible by humans and actually very tasty. Spit-roasted squig is described as resembling smoked ham with the consistency of young chicken.
Squigs can be bred into a vast variety of forms and functions. The most famous of these is arguably the monstrous Squiggoth which provide a similar sort of heavy infantry to a war elephant. Other, more obscure types include (but by no means limited to) Bag Squigs, Bomb Squigs, Eating Squig, Gas Squigs, Hair Squigs, Oily Squigs, Paint Squigs, Squig Sharks, Squig Hawks, and Squigeons all of which can be further explained below. Squigs are basically the apps of Ork society, if you can think of a function, there's a squig for that.
Squig Varieties
As mentioned. Squigs come in all size and flavors. Here are the documented species of Squigs officially recognized by the Imperium.
Attack Squig
The most common and identifiable type of Squig. Whenever someone says Squig, this is the one that pops in everyone's head. The Attack Squig, also known as the Cave Squig, looks like it's trying to compete with the Tyranids for sheer 'OMNOMNOMNOMNOM' ability, consisting of nothing more than a bouncing ball of claws and razor-sharp teeth. These Squigs, as their name implies, are often used as attack animals, weapons, or pets. They can be given to the Grots as a food source (if the Squig doesn't eat them first) or even war mounts if said Grot is feeling particularly brave that day.
Sometimes an Attack Squig is transformed into a Bomb Squig via jamming as much explosive materials into the Squigs mouth as possible before setting it loose to fuck up some tanks. These specialized Attack Squigs are often utilized by either Ork Flashgitz or Tankbustas.
-
Bomb Squig.
Bitey Squig
Bitey Squigs are a sub-species of Attack Squigs that have sufficient jaws, claws, and stingers to savage the target and anything close by. This breed is squig is frequently fired from Squig Launchas and Heavy Squig Launchas. Launched gnashing and snarling into the enemy, they latch onto the first thing they hit and do not stop chewing until they are killed. A bit like the Face-Eating Squig to be honest.
Legends states that the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy was created due to a 'mishap' when a Bitey Squig or some form of Attack Squig was accidentally stuffed into the launcha and fired into a very unfortunate Ork’s face and thus, the legend was born.
It seems that the Bitey Squig can be differentiated by the normal Attack Squig with a stronger jaw, this can be seen with its more pronounced jawline which could only be supported with powerful jaw muscles. There is also the aforementioned stingers, which would most likely be located at the tail, unfortunately there isn't any indication that the tail has something alluding to a stinger tail. Bitey Squigs are also much smaller than the Attack Squig in order to fit inside a Squig Launcha, seeing as how an Attack Squig is often the size of sheep, it makes sense for the Orks to utilize a much more smaller and mobile version to be used as ammunition.
Bile Squig
The Bile Squigs come in a variety of breeds and are capable of spraying, squirting, or vomiting harmful fluids from their orifices. This breed of squig is frequently fired from Squig Launchas and Heavy Squig Launchas.
Typically launched by the handful, these creatures squeal and thrash while jetting acid, lubricants, poisons, and flammable fluids in every direction. The effects can sometimes be harmless, but other times can cause their victims to burst into flames, explode, or dissolve. Essentially, they are the Orky version of the Flamers of Tzeentch, you never know what you're gonna get.
Bile Squigs seem to have an enlarged earhole or an orifice for which they shoot out their concoction of liquids, it is identified by its very derpy appearance and its long tongue which maybe used to lick off any excess liquid it shoots out.
Bat Squig
A squig that has bat wings..... Thats it..... Look it's just a squig that has bat wings alright it has the typical squig mentality, lives in a cave and can fly the only difference is that IT JUST HAS BAT WINGS. It's not got some depressing story in which it lost it's parents and now hunts down all everything that isn't greenskin, NO IT'S JUST A SQUIG WITH BAT WINGS, also no legs.
Boom Squig
A special sub-species of the 'Splodin Squig.
This breed is squig is frequently fired from Squig Launchas and Heavy Squig Launchas. Boom Squig's or otherwise known as the Mine Squig due to its shape, are infamous for its defense mechanism of violently exploding at the slightest provocation, typically due to direct physical contact or a loud noise (though sometimes even its own bouts of indigestion).
They detonate with such force that they kill or maim anything unlucky enough to be in the vicinity. These creatures thus make the perfect living ammunition for Orks and are also sometimes used as landmines. They are also favored by Orks as the tools of practical jokes, as nothing will amuse a Speed Freek more than hiding a Boom Squig under the seat of a Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy driver like an explosive whoopee cushion.
Bowel-Torrent Squig
A mysterious Squig referred to only as one of the most "revolting" and "panic-inducing". Given its name it should be very easy to understand why. They are one of the numerous forms of living ammunition from the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy.
Unfortunately, despite being important enough to be mentioned in fluff, they still didn't really get that much screen time...or an identifiable model for that specific matter in the first place.
Fortunately for us in /tg/, the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy model holds so many Squigs in its trunk and around the vehicle that we can sort of guess which Squig might best describe the Bowel-Torrent Squig the best.
Due to the Squig's....unique way of expelling its munitions, we believe that the small albeit grumpy looking Squig with the long tail maybe the elusive Bowel-Torrent Squig. Ya know...'cause it looks similiar to that of a pigeon and this thing can 'fly' once it exits out the Squig Launcha. We would let your figure out the rest.
Bag Squig
This type of Squig has a large, gaping mouth and a bag-like body that is almost entirely composed of stomach and nothing else. The stomach coincidently functions secondarily as a pouch that allows the Squig to survive by slowly digesting food it stores up inside its body similar to that of modern Earth animals that hibernate by eating a lot of food during the summer. If the Squig is dried out, it can be made into a flask for drinks. If it is tanned like leather, it makes a useful bag or belt pouch.
By far one of the most practical form of Squigs used by the Orks.
Burna' Squig
The Burna' Squig is similiar to the 'Sploding Squig. However while the 'Sploding Squig is a biological grenade the Burna' Squig is a biological molotov cocktail. Inside a Burna' Squig consists of multiple chemicals that when mixed, burst into flames rather than exploding. Orks sometime shake their Burna' Squigs to further enhance their fiery potential (Or force them to swallow even MOAR flammable materials such as Promethium) after being thrown if it doesn't explode in their face of course.
If the Ork is feeling a bit picky and don't really want to risk having his head blown off by enemy snipers, he can just let the Squig go off to its intended target. Of course, these may not result in the desired outcome as the Squig may be shot before it gets the chance to explode or the Squig wouldn't even explode in the first place and just growls at the target harmlessly.
The effects of Burna Squigs are equivalent to other flammable explosives found in the Imperium.
Buzzer Squig
Buzzer Squigs are an insect-like like variation of the Squig typically used by Orks and Gretchins in a Squig Katapult, as they are very vicious and a swarm can strip the flesh off a man-sized creature within seconds. They are essentially flying piranhas but without the cowardly aspects of a piranha.
Buzzer Squigs are found among Ork fungus groves and are trapped in pots by Gretchin. The special pots are made from sun-baked mud, drilled with tiny holes to allow the Squigs inside to breath. The top of the vessel is corked shut and sealed with more mud once a good number of Squigs has been put inside. Normally the Squigs feed by burrowing into other larger Squigs or small animals such as rats, so when they are captured they soon begin to get very hungry. They can be kept without food in the pot for many weeks, getting angrier and more savage all the time. If the Gretchin is unfortunate in capturing these flying Mosquitoes of doom or accidentally breaks a pot full of these things, then he may end up as their lunch.
Gretchin can tell which pots contain the angriest Squigs from the high pitch of the droning and the vibrations of the pot as the Squigs try to burrow out (the walls of the pot must be made thick and hard). These pots, each containing a small swarm of enraged Buzzer Squigs, are the missiles fired by the Squig Katapult. The pot cracks open on impact, releasing the swarm of enraged Buzzer Squigs, who attack anyone nearby. They are great against Imperial Guards, Tau, Kroots and low level Tyranid forces (Que irony of the Tyranids getting out-NOMMED in their own game). Unfortunately they are quite useless when it comes to MEQs as those claws and fangs aren't going to do much against Ceramite and reinforced Wraithbone.
Buzzer Squigs can also be found on the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy, although they're far more limited in role due to the presence of other Squig species.
Buzzing Squig
Not to be confused with Buzzer Squigs, Buzzing Squigs unlike Buzzer Squigs have tiny, propeller-like wings on its tail; miniature airscrews that allow it to fly like a biological helicopter. When it contacts flesh (which it can smell), it bores in and eats its way straight through the unfortunate target. Upon emerging from the victim, it immediately dives back and bores through again, or sets upon another victim. Orks have learned to use these deadly nuisances as weapons.
Gretchin are set to work trapping them for dispersal as swarms around the battlefield. Buzzing Squigs may also be kept in pots and thrown from makeshift catapults like the Squig Katapult. When the pot containing the Buzzing Squigs cracks, it releases a swirling swarm of these flesh-eating monsters.
In all honesty though, by function there is very little difference between the Buzzer and Buzzing Squigs as they both fulfill the same niche. They only look different enough to warrant their own species.
Gob Squig
Gob Squigs are small enough to be put into an Ork's mouth and left there for the rest of the day (or the next few days, if the Ork forgets about it). The Squig cleans the Ork's mouth out by rooting round the teeth and eating the juicy bits of food that are stuck between them. They look like your typical fantasy Slime with a funny face although your local Commissar would suggest not petting one as they are known to bite. They are essentially an Ork's version of a toothbrush but more effective and cost-productive
The Chewin' Squig is another variant of the Gob Squig. An Ork can pop this sort of Squig into his mouth and chew on it while he sits and thinks (or sits and enjoys not thinking). The Ork version of a chewing gum, how the Squig could survive being munched by an Ork is a feat unknown by Imperial Xenologists.
Great Cave Squig
Think a regular Attack Squig given steroids. A Great Cave Squig is simply a larger variant of the more common Cave Squig that has grown to such a magnificent size that it has become as large as an Imperial warhorse. This Squig sub-species is the second largest of the non-Squiggoth family, with only the Colossal Squig surpassing it in both size and weight. Its large mouth is filled with teeth the size of swords and sabres and their appetite as ravenous as their smaller counterparts. These things are solitary predators that like to get shit done by itself.
Because of their large size, the Great Cave Squig makes for excellent cavalry for Night Goblins. However, their aggressive behavior makes it difficult for one to tame them effectively. The process of breaking in a Great Cave Squig would cost the lives of many Night Goblin, but once the beast learns to accept a rider, they serve as a more stable mount than the more smaller and unruly Cave Squig. Although they are costly to maintain, eating over twice their own body weight daily, a Night Goblin Warboss would do almost anything to keep such a magnificent asset in the hands of his tribe.
Since they're so difficult to tame, often times Goblins don't even bother doing so, instead just chaining two Great Cave Squigs together, pointing them vaguely in the direction of the enemy and setting them loose, resulting in the infamous Mangler Squigs. The Squigs drag and pull each-other across the battlefield, resulting in them essentially becoming living wrecking balls. In Age of Sigmar, some particularly insane Loonbosses use a pair of Mangler Squigs as a mount, usually if they're leading a Squigalanche warband.
On the even rarer occasions when a Great Cave Squig continuous to grow exponentially, they would grow to such a monstrous size that they are once again categorized into another even larger variant called simple as the Colossal Squig (As seen below).
-
NYUM YUM YUM YUM YUM!
Colossal Squig
Think an Great Cave Squig on steroids and having a mouth and stomach that could rival a Haruspex and the Mawloc in a eating competition. The Colossal Squigs are the largest variants of Squigs known to exist short of Squiggoths.
These cyclopean or six-eyed monsters boast an insatiable appetite, and are in essence no more than an impossibly vast fleshy maw studded with row upon row of scimitar-bladed teeth. The only way they get into battle is by finding some Orks and just moving in with them.
The Colossal Squig is often used as a giant living battering ram, bashing and splintering anything smaller than the Squig into a fine paste. Of course the presence of the Squiggoth kind of placed the status of the Colossal Squig in question. Nevertheless, they still have the capability of eating entire Space Marines whole let alone normal Guardsmen, granting some laughs by the local Boyz if the Squig doesn't eat them first.
Of special note is a small change to this subtype of Squig in Age of Sigmar - When a Colossal Squig dies, it blows up into a bunch of smaller Cave Squigs! ... Nature running its course?...
Cape Squig
This cute little Squigs are there to make you fill just a tad bit more important.
A Squig found only in Age of Skubmar. A presumably regal and dignified breed of squig, these little beasties help Skragrott keep his magnificent cape off the floor. Or maybe they’re trying to eat it. Probably both…
Anyways, these Squigs are quite fond after since they have a....distinct head shape of the Greenskin's moon, which makes it downright flash. Why they heads are shaped like that is anyone's guess (Selective breeding?). Skragrott the Loonking himself, is the self-styled overlord the Gloomspite Gitz (AKA Night Goblins, copyright edition). His sinister presence upon the field of battle ensures his fellow grots fight with greater spite and cunning than ever.
On tabletop, these little beasties are there for deco-purposes in order to make Skragrott look more important than he really is. Seriously you think they would provide anything of substance in the actual game?
Eating Squig
An Eating Squig is a limbless blob used as the primary Ork food source. It resembles an elongated, squarish slug with two eyes and a small pug mouth between its two eyes (like a cross between a blob fish and uncanned SPAM). Orks usually prefer them cooked, but they can be eaten raw as well. Gretchin are quite adept in cooking them and have a number of methods including kebabing, marinating in fungus wine, stuffed with fungus and herbs, roasted on a spit, deep fried with fungus chips, or griddled over a campfire. Who knew the Ork race have such a fine taste at culinary skills? Again Commissars would suggest not petting one no matter how pug-cute it looks, although suggesting to eat one for emergency rationing is fine for them.
With the fast reproduction on all Orkoid lifeforms, it is unknown why the Imperium of Man still haven't decide on capturing one of these Squigs and then mass producing them which would stop Galactic world hunger that plagues some of the Imperial Worlds (and no, not because of heresy). Maybe they are already looking into it, but with how slow the IoM usually is it may take decades to even centuries for it to be finalized and distributed in the entire Galaxy. Or it might have something to do with the fact that they're creature from the orkoid genus, so they release spores everywhere that can grow into the more dangerous parts of the genus including actual orks.
If the Eating Squig is the Duck/Chicken of an Ork culinary experience, than the Juicy Squig is the Foie Gras of Ork cuisine. The Juicy Squig is a very rare and delicious type of Eating Squig that may perhaps be the only known Ork delicacy. This Squig lives at the very bottom of an Ork fungal drop, and are not only rare, but difficult to find and bring up from the depths. Since these Squigs are seldom caught by the Gretchin and Snotlings, they often grow quite large and become even tastier as they get older.
Guard Squig
Ork Kaptins have been breeding a form of Squig known as a Guard Squig, or Squig Hound to some. Think of them as Guard Dogs. These creatures have all the ferocity of an Attack Squig, but are bred to be utterly loyal to their masters. When alone or not in battle, Squig Hounds are usually seen sleeping on their post or lying on their master's lap. Guard Squigs are often seen as a step up above the normal Attack Squig due to their aforementioned loyalty.
Guard Squigs are not to be confused with the Herd Squig whose nickname also bears the name Squighound or the actual Squighound themselves. Why GeeDubs thought repeating the name of three different species is a good idea is a mystery.
Targeting Squig
A unusual type of Squig, Targeting Squigs are weird creatures with a single targeting eye that serve as biological equivalents of Gitfindas used by Flash Gitz. Sometimes their pupils are even shaped into a cross-hair.
How the Squig could communicate with the Flash Gitz is unknown. Although certain unique sounds or barks could be help the Ork to signal that there may be ample prey around. That or it could flash different colors or release certain pheromones that only Orkoid species can detect.
On tabletop there is very little difference between the Squig and regular Gitfindas other then the cosmetic change.
Face-Eater Squig
Like how Humans have binge eating contests, the Orks have their own variety. Of course in this case the food has the potential of eating your face off. Here is where the Face-Eater Squigs come into play. The Face-Eater Squig is a toothed variety of Squig used both as a weapon and in the infamous Ork face-eating contests.
These Squigs, which are also known as "Gnashers," or "Gnasher Squigs," are a vicious mass of sharp teeth and claws. In their active state they appear to be just a gnashing mouth and very little else, though they look much like any other Eatin' Squig when they are at rest. Because of their violent nature, Gnashers provide the Orks with endless entertainment, and Squig-eating is one of the Orks' favorite pastimes. The Ork and the Squig both open their mouths and bite, in a parody of a kiss. If the Ork eats the Squig, he wins. If he keels over backwards, he loses.
Some Painboys made attempts to use Gnashers to amputate a patients limbs, but these attempts weren't very successful as they tend to bite off orderlies' arms or even Dok's fingers. Face-Eaters are often used as an attack squig. This organism is known to Imperium biologists as Orkus ravenati.
-
Nasty little fuckers.
Flesheater Squig
In order to increase their wealth, some Orks breed large, ferocious beasts known as Flesheaters. The Flesheater has a great, gaping mouth like a crocodile, full of rows of sharp fangs that are similar to an Ork's canine teeth. They look like furry Orky crocodiles. Flesheaters continually shed and replace their teeth, and all the Orks have to do to collect this wealth is send a Gretchin to collect the teeth, who, of course, aren't overly keen on this duty.
Like Ork teeth, Flesheater teeth also deteriorate after a few years. Flesheaters are extremely long-lived, but rarely breed in captivity, making them even more valuable. Most Orks who own Flesheaters are either already Nobz, or become Nobz on account of the wealth derived from owning these Squigs. Not surprisingly, impoverished Orks sometimes attempt to steal a Flesheater, or even raid rival settlements to capture them.
They are literally a mobile money-making machine - who says money can't grow on trees animals?
Gas Squig
It is a Squig that literally has a killer fart.
The Gas Squig produces a gas so toxic that Orks with gas masks throw this Squig in combat, using the Squig itself as a chemical weapon. They're essentially living gas bombs. Despite their use as a one time explosive however, the Ork can just let the Squig run loose in the battlefield, spreading as much chaos as possible as these nasty little runts can cover an entire field in a bath of toxic miasma and corrosive chemicals.
It is unknown what type of chemicals is needed for the Gas Squig to unleash a untold volume of lethal farts. High levels of methane or magic/warp-related bullshit is the only potential answer.
They are seen as one of the summoning Squigs in Warhammer Online.
According to the illustration of Warhammer Online, Gas Squigs look like normal Attack Squigs but with hole-like projections that constantly spew out the toxic materials like chimneys.
Hair Squig
Do you want to know how and where the Orks get their hairy ponytails from? Well the answer is obviously simple: they use Squigs to do the job, due to Orks being naturally hairless. Hair Squigs are a parasitic variety of Squig which possess small bodies, no legs, no eyes, and a pair of pincers in place of a mouth.
They have long hair running from their tiny bodies that Orks like to customize and dye after clamping the Squig's pincers onto their own hairless heads, though this customization has no effect on the Squig's health.
One particular variety of Hair Squig is known as Chin Squig. These creatures feature a long thin body with claws and hair all over it and, once put of Ork chin serve as an equivalent of beard. They are also known to be a sign on age and status among Orks.
-
-
Chin Squig.
Limpin Squig
A Squig football/handegg. Yeah its weird but it makes sense in context.
Technically, this squig is from Blood Bowl rather than the Mortal Realms (AKA Age of Sigmar), but its existence is so hilairously dumb it might as well be part of the Squig family. Also known as the Squigball, Orc teams are known for using squigs as balls, shearing one leg off so it can’t run away. Sometimes, they just find a particularly bulbous Squig and than use it to quite literally kick their asses.
These Squigs must be extremely durable, squishy and bouncy. The best Limpin Squigs have flesh that is extremely flexible, sturdy bones to survive repeated impacts and kicks, a skin firm enough to be held on for long periods of time, an attitude that makes sure it doesn't ends up biting its holder in the middle of some intense Blood Bowl and is shaped just right enough to bounce to its trajectory.
Now it is not known whether they exist in 40k or AoS. Although seeing as how Orks/Orcs are stereotypical British hooligans, we wouldn't be surprise if they did.
Mendin' Squig
Mendin' Squigs or more commonly (And annoyingly) called the Hairy Squigs (Again not to be confused with Hair Squigs much to the Xenobiologist's constant frustration) is a type of medicinal Squig. Hairy/Mendin' Squigs are used by Painboyz as over glorified stitches. The Painboy simply applies it to the open wound, which it holds closed with its tiny, needle-like teeth. The Painboy then twists its tail off, leaving the head embedded in the flesh, repeating the process until the wound is "riveted up." The Mendin' Squig then feeds off blood oozing from the wound, thus keeping it clean and free from infection. By the time it shrivels and drops off, the wound has usually healed.
This form of medical technique is actually quite closer to reality than make believe. Some South American and African tribes or countries use a particularly large ant like bulldog ants to act as crude stitching. They just grab the ants and allow the powerful jaws to snap shut on the wound and like the Mendin' Squigs they then twist its body off, leaving only the head which is still in contact with the wound until it shrivels and falls off once fully healed.
Herd Squig
Herd Squigs have been specially bred and developed by Runtherds for the purpose of herding and controlling the herds of Runtz. They are related to the many varieties of pet Squigs, but have been selectively bred for their speed, intelligence, ferocity and endurance.
Their long, sensitive snouts and keen ears enable them to track down errant Snotlings and Gretchin wherever they might hide. Herd Squigs are excellent tracking beasts, and can follow trails which are days old.
They are also called Squighounds, which as you already know, should not be confused with the Guard Squig who already bears that nickname or the actual Squighounds themselves.
They are like pigs but more Orky.
Horned Squig
A Squig that's so Horny! *BLAM*
The Horned Squig is a Squig which is gifted with long, sharp horns stretching from its head that Orks often jam into barricades to serve as living obstacles or act as a moving and mobile battering ram for siege warfare. They act like bulls and if used against troops, often ram its horns into the poor unfortunate sod in a relentless, charging stampede. They have a brighter red color scheme than Cave Squigs.
If the Horned Squig is disabled, then the Ork can simply just strap the Squig on its forearm and use it as a living weapon. The Orks are anything but wasteful and is capable of using everything, even other living organisms to its 'full' potential.
Like the Gas Squigs they are seen as one of the summoning Squigs in Warhammer Online.
Mimic
CA-CAW! OI GITZ GET MOVIN UNLESS YOU WANT ME TO TELL DA BOSS ON WHO IS MUCKIN' ABOUT!
As you imagine, they are Ork Parrots. A particularly popular type of pet Squig is known as the Mimic. This Squig has a large and toothy beak-like mouth and is vaguely parrot-like in both appearance and function.
Mimics can be seen perched on the shoulders of many an old and haggard Ork usually from the Freebooterz to keep the pirate theme, casting expletives and insults at Greenskin passersby. Kaptins have a endearing affection to these little creatures and their ability to shout and swear at larger and more opposing Orks is often seen as a humorous delight to the Kaptin. Although woe to any Ork who accidentally swat these creatures out of annoyance. The chance of getting your head wired to a Big Lobba by a pissed off Kaptin? Too high.
Oily Squig
The Oily Squig is a variety of Squig bred by Ork Meks to create fuel for the Orks' ramshackle vehicles. They create the fuel, an organically-synthesized version of Promethium, in their rotund bellies, and it can be squeezed out of their anteater-like trunks. These Squigs have no mouths, other than their trunk, and are not combat-oriented like their far more aggressive counterparts.
The most efficient way of extracting the oil from the creatures is to use a large pressing machine, although more primitive methods, such as having gretchin to jump up and down on them are also widely used. Orks prepare the barrels of the squig oil in advance and take those with them when they go on campaigns.
There exist two varieties of Oily Squigs, one with arms and a distinct head, and one that resembles an Attack Squig with a trunk for dispensing their fuel oil.
Paint Squig
Orks can be creative artists too! This small, vividly colored Squig excretes powerful dyes that are used as warpaint. These paints are also used by Gretchin artists as pigments for wall paintings and decorative banners.
Many Paint Squigs have tufts of hair on their trails, which allows the artist to use the Squig as both a brush and tube of paint simultaneously. The shells of Edible Squigs are also used by Gretchin artists as paint pots and palettes.
Parasite-Hunting Squig
Parasite-Hunting Squigs are tiny but voracious feeders used to clear an Orks' body and clothes of parasites. An Ork simply drops a handful of these Squigs into his clothing and lets them crawl around. They look like Orkified spiders which can give arachnophobes nightmares but the Orks don't give a zog.
The Squigs prey on lice, ticks or leeches the Ork may have acquired in the course of his many unsavoury habits. When the engorged Parasite-Hunting squigs drop out of the Ork's clothing, the Ork simply gathers them up and pops them into his mouth for a juicy chomp.
Screech Squig
A mysterious Squig referred to as having oversized lungs that allow it to make an extremely loud screech. Screech Squigs disorient, incapacitate and make the enemy's ear drums burst in one of the most horrid sounds possible (We in /tg/ imagines it as mixing the cries of an infant that has sand paper in its throat with that of fingernails scratching the surface of a chalkboard). They are one of the numerous forms of living ammunition from the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy.
Unfortunately, despite being important enough to be mentioned in fluff, they still didn't really get that much screen time...or an identifiable model for that specific matter in the first place.
Fortunately for us in /tg/, the Rukkatrukk Squigbuggy model holds so many Squigs in its trunk and around the vehicle that we can sort of guess which Squig might best describe the Screech Squig the best. Due to the fact that it is nothing more than a weaponized Mimic or a living Sonic Weapon, the Screech Squig needs both a big mouth and a wide barrelled body to encompass its huge lungs. Unfortunately, most Squigs have a big mouth and a wide body. Likewise, we hypothesize that the Screech Squig might be in fact, the big Squig we see inside of the Heavy Squig Launcha. This is alluded to the fact that its mouth is close relatively shut and will only open once fired from the Launcha. You wouldn't want your Boyz to go all bleeding in their noggins because they failed to pacify that thing right?
Spiky Squig
Spiky Squigs look like a living ball covered with spines which, when agitated, as an instinctive reaction, can shoot out at any threatening creature rather like a porcupine (except porcupines can't actually do that) .
These spines inflict a poisonous sting on anyone struck by them, though the effect of the poison on Orkish flesh is not as drastic as it is on other races due to the similar biology of all Orkoid races. Squigs of this kind are used in some bionik arms fitted with cages and a quick release system, so they can be used as a close combat weapon as a living, breathing Morning Star.
Spiky Squigs move via rolling around like a ball, however when it comes to hunting food, it would propel itself at high speed before launching into the unsuspecting prey. Launching its poisonous spines and letting it run its course. This unusual hunting method has been seen by xenobiologists as bizarre and weird.
'Sploding Squig
A biological grenade used by the Orks if they run out of Stikkbombs. 'Sploding Squigs possess multiple stomachs, each containing a thick broth of unstable digestive chemicals. Some 'Sploding Squigs may be covered in spines which may act as fragmentation when it explodes.
When agitated, usually though violent shaking, the 'Sploding Squig's digestive juices combine into a combustible liquid, causing the Squig to explode in a shower of meat, teeth, and bone fragments. While typically thrown in combat, 'Sploding Squigs are also often buried and used as mines. Orks are known to force-feed 'Sploding Squigs a meal of scrap metal before battle in an effort to enhance their lethality.
If the Ork is feeling a bit picky and don't really want to risk having his head blown off by enemy snipers, he can just let the Squig go off to its intended target. Of course, these may not result in the desired outcome as the Squig may be shot before it gets the chance to explode or the Squig wouldn't even explode in the first place and just growls at the target harmlessly.
However, the wide spread use of regular Bomb Squigs has lesson the value of 'Sploding Squigs as Bomb Squigs are just regular Attack Squig fitted with explosives. No need to wait around for a specialized and uncommon Squig to mature when the most common type of Squig already fills in their purpose.
Spore Squig
A Squig to huff some shrooms and get high.
A walking LSD projector. These little squigs are used defensively by Fungoid Cave-Shamans, who need but stamp on one to release an obscuring cloud of spores. The Fungoid Cave-Shamans themselves are the lepers of Goblin kind. Found only in Age of Sigmar, the mushroom-gobbling grot maniacs known as Cave-Shamans are obviously not right in the head.
To these greenskinned nutters, to get lost in a brain-mangling vision is to grow closer to the side of Gorkamorka that epitomises cunning and trickiness over brute strength, which is the side that all grots like the best.
The Spore Squig is nothing more than a living, breathing hookah for the greenskin to sniff some grade-A meth and can, on command, release said spores towards its enemies to make them just as high as the Squig's personnel caretakers.
Moral of the story, don't do drugs kiddos, especially in the battlefield.
Squigeon
Squigeons are the Squig counterparts of the Terran pigeon or columbidae if you are feeling fancy, often utilized for sending messages during battle amongst Ork tribes that lack more advanced methods of communication. Although they are sometimes hunted by the dreaded Squighawk or used as target practice by Stormboyz.
They are the cutest little orkspawn your will ever get the chance of meeting. Unfortunately, due to GeeDubs incompetence, we never ever get to see them further flashed out in fluff. This time the Commissar would be fine with you petting a Squigeon.
Squighawk
BA-CAAAWK! OM NOM NOM NOM NOM!
Think of a Orkified Pterodactyl. Squighawks are a wild, flying species of Squig that are large enough to eat Orks. Thus, they are ECKS BAWKS HUEG.
Unfortunately, they are often too difficult to be trained (Could be because the Squighawk view Orks are prey #1) and are rarely used by Ork Runtherdz which is saying something on how hard to tame these things when the Orks manage to successfully do it to the much larger Squiggoth.
Still, it would be cool if we actually get to use these Dinosaurs flying reptiles on the tabletop. Chances are, these thing could potentially reach the size to rival some larger Tyranid flying strains such as the Harpy.
Squighound
Squighounds, commonly known as "Growlers," are a variation of the Attack Squig, used by Ork Slaverz to help them keep the Gretchins and slaves from other races in line, some have four legs, although two-legged varieties certainly exist. "Growlers" are also often kept as a form of pet by other Orks, as they are roughly the size of a small dog, hairy, and particularly vicious.
A Pet Squig often scurries about behind its master, barely under his control, giving its owner no end of amusement and laughs especially when the Squig snaps at the ankles of another Ork.
They are not to be confused with the Guard Squig or Herd Squig whose nicknames also bears the term 'Squighound'.
Squigpipe
Just to further hone in the Scottish stereotype within the Orks (prejudice much, GeeDubs?). This special type of Squig is used by the Orks as a musical instrument. Several tube-like proboscises emanate from this Squig's bag-like body.
The Musical Squig can be tucked under one arm and inflated by blowing down the proboscis. Then, by squeezing the Squig, weird and terrifying sounds can be made through the creature's proboscis pipes. This turns the Squig into a musical instrument, much like the bagpipes, but a thousand times more cacophonous. Orks like to go into battle accompanied by this Squig much to the detriment of their enemies.
Squigshark
Orks as Jaws. Squigsharks are the Squig counterparts of Terran sharks that inhabit Ork-infested worlds. And no they are not huggable; your local Commissar definitely urges you to NOT pet one out of safety and preventing potential stupidity.
They are known to be very dangerous beast and many Ork sailors trying to cosplay as Moby Dick ended their lives as a food for Squigsharks. Whenever one appears, it is obligatory to play the signature Jaws music. They are by far the top oceanic predator of any Ork World.
YOU. HAVE. BEEN. WARNED.
-
Dun dun...dun dun...dun dun dun dun dun....
Squig Gobba
A Forge World model, which is the size of a colossal squig. The difference is that this one can fire smaller squigs out of it's mouth. The Squig Gobba is essentially a living artillery.
Dragged and prodded onto the battlefield by its malevolent Goblin tenders, it is a huge beast with an oversized gaping maw, a set of extremely powerful lungs and a ravenous appetite to rival even that of a Troll. With the Squig Gobba heavily chained into position to prevent it bounding off after the first tasty morsel it spies, its tenders start dragging lesser squigs from the cages surrounding them as battle is joined, slicking these vicious beasts with foul-tasting noxious liquids.
This not only renders the creatures senseless for a short time, but also prevents the Squig Gobba from immediately swallowing them as the stunned squigs are unceremoniously stuffed into its jaws. Goblins can also make it explode if they want to.
-
Hey look! It seems that the last of the Gastric Brooding Frogs have evolved!
Stalagsquig
Squigs are highly adaptable creatures, taking a myriad range of forms. Some, for example, infest the rock itself, creating Stalagsquigs.
The Stalagsquigs are a what happens when orks and gobboz believe that "OIH DAT STONE FING OVER DERE LOOKS LIKE A BITEY SQUIG" and as such the power of WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAGH made it so. The species looks like normal stalagmites from afar but get close enough and you will be introduced to a stone skinned biting nightmare, this particular breed has yet to be seen in 40k but it is prevalent in Ye Age of golden hammer jackasses Age of Sigmar.
It is unknown how these squigs move (if they move at all?) since they seem to have no visible legs, unless it's a luggage scenario where it sprouts thousands of little legs from its base when it wants to move.......WELP, have fun sleeping after thinking about that. Emperor damn, it's like the chaos spawns all ov-BGRIHSRAJKHSJAHDSAIUOFDGHU. However, according to Warhammer Community, they are totally immobile and viciously hungry creatures that make exploring caves in the Mortal Realms an even worse idea than you thought it was.
As a side note there has been no recorded evidence on how big these squigs can grow to but seeing as how normal stalagmites can grow to be bigger than a sky scraper if given enough space. We might have to worry about descending into caves in the foreseeable future.
It is not known whether they have a stalactite version for the stalagsquig.
Swab Squig
The Swab Squig is a type of Hair Squig, but unlike the long trailing hair of its cousins, its round body is covered with short, fluffy fur. Orks use Swab Squigs to mop up during operations, and they come in handy for emergency handkerchiefs too. Despite looking like a giant fluffball they have a humongous mouth and are quite snappy, too. Swab Squigs tend to share a comedic relation with Snotlings due to the latter's mental retardation of poking things that should not be poked, which often ends with the little snots running around having their asses bit by Swab Squig.
Non-pettable by your local Commissar.
-
It is wise not to pet something that looks cute....
-
....Or else this happens.
Syringe Squig
Syringe Squigs are primarily used for medicinal purposes. This medical Squig has natural properties which Painboyz find used in their craft of patching together battle-damaged Orks. Syringe Squigs have a long needle-sharp proboscis with which they inject venom into their prey. Syringe Squigs exude a soporific venom which makes a fine anesthetic for Orks when the traditional anesthetic (known to other races as a "concussion") is unavailable.
Syringe Squigs are divided by their sizes to 'small', 'big' and 'urty' which are used depending on the strength of the dose required. The venom is sometimes extracted from the creature and used separately for mixing up some kind of special 'medicine', or if a really large dose is needed.
Vampire Squig
The Vampire Squig is a blood-sucking creature with long sharp fangs, used by Painboyz to bleed the patient and suck bad blood and pus from septic wounds. The Squig does not seem to mind what the blood is like or from what species it comes so long as it gets a regular and plentiful supply.
When times are hard (which for Orks is when there's not much fighting) the Painboyz are forced to find other ways to keep their pets alive, which they do by extolling the benefits of regular bleeding to otherwise healthy Orks. It is also a good way to earn tons of teef in a short amount of time.
Wyrdsquig
A Wyrdsquig is a little known psychic Squig subspecies, that has close genetic links to the Gnasher Squig. Despite their close relations, they are fucking hideous; looking more like an aborted love child between Yog-Sothoth and the Timeless One.
This subspecies is rarely encountered in the wild and possesses psychic abilities similar to those of Ork Weirdboyz. The Wyrdsquig is often employed in battle as a "psychic bomb," releasing a catastrophic telepathic shockwave at the moment of its death.
They are one of the few Warp-based weapons that the Orks utilize along with the Shokk Attack Gun and Tellyport Blasta.