Ogre Kingdoms

Lore & Background

Ogres are ancient beings who dwell in the darkest corners of the world, often overlapping with the territories of Beastmen or isolated human kingdoms. They view civilization as a larder waiting to be harvested. Unlike Orks, who fight for the sheer joy of battle, Ogres fight primarily to secure food and treasure. Their culture is built around the Great Carnage, where tribes compete for dominance through strength and gluttony. Their society is loosely structured, often fracturing if a Warlord cannot provide enough meat or victories. They keep Squigs as pets and livestock, breeding them in pens until they are needed for food or transport. Despite their savagery, Ogres respect power above all else; a stronger tribe can command the loyalty of weaker ones without question. Magic among Ogres is rare but potent, often practiced by those who have consumed magical artifacts or ancient beasts. They do not worship Chaos gods in the traditional sense, though they may ally with them if it promises a better feast.

In Their Own Story

The smell of roasting pork drifted through the misty Badlands, masking the scent of blood that lingered on the ground. Gorbad Ironclaw adjusted his massive helm, looking down at the smoking ruins of the human village below. His stomach growled louder than the drums behind him. He gestured to a pile of captives tied to stakes. Today was not just about conquest; it was about survival. The winter was coming, and the herd needed to be fat.

Reader's Guide

The Ogre Kingdoms originate from the remote badlands and forests of the Old World, where isolated tribes unite under a powerful Warlord to raid civilized lands. Their society revolves around strength and appetite, valuing meat above all other treasures. Core units include standard Ogres wielding massive clubs, Big Ogres serving as elite shock troops, and Squig Hoppers providing fast cavalry support. Trollgors act as monstrous artillery on the battlefield. Unique hero classes feature the Ogre Warlord for leadership and the Squig Herder to manage their beastly companions. In campaign mode, factions utilize a unique Feast mechanic where consuming enemy settlements or bodies generates resources rather than traditional income. This encourages aggressive expansion and constant warfare to sustain their insatiable hunger. Their armies are slow but devastating in close combat, capable of crushing lesser races with sheer physical power. Players must manage food supplies carefully while expanding territory through brute force. They also utilize Ogre Mages for magical support, though rare. The faction excels at attrition warfare due to their high resilience and ability to ignore terrain penalties compared to smaller races. Their loyalty system ensures that if the Warlord is strong enough, tribes remain united; otherwise, they scatter. This makes maintaining a cohesive kingdom challenging yet rewarding for those who can feed the horde.

Did You Know?

• Ogres are distinct from Orks and do not generate 'Waaagh!' energy or require it to function.
• Squigs serve dual purposes as both mounts for cavalry units and a primary food source for the tribe.
• The faction's economy relies heavily on raiding and consuming settlements rather than traditional trade routes.
• Gorbad Ironclaw is one of the few legendary lords capable of leading the faction in the first game.