The Human the Orks Respect: The Legend of Commissar Yarrick
The human most revered, or at least respected, by the Orks in the grim darkness of the far future is undoubtedly Commissar Sebastian Yarrick, also known as “Old Bale Eye”. This legendary figure of the Astra Militarum (Imperial Guard) has carved a unique place for himself in the annals of Warhammer 40,000 history, not just as a formidable soldier of the Imperium, but as an anomaly among his kind – a human who has genuinely earned the begrudging admiration of the greenskin hordes. His exploits on the battlefield, his unwavering resolve, and his sheer tenacity have elevated him beyond the usual ‘umie’ in the eyes of the Orks, making him a figure of both fear and fascination.
Why Do Orks Respect Yarrick?
The core of Ork respect is tied to brutality, strength, and the ability to put up a good fight. Yarrick embodies these traits to an exceptional degree. He is not a superhuman like a Space Marine; he is an older, physically damaged man, yet he faces Orks in close combat and survives, time and time again. This is unheard of for most humans in the Warhammer 40,000 universe.
Yarrick’s most significant accomplishment that cemented his status amongst the Orks was his numerous confrontations with Ghazghkull Mag Uruk Thraka, one of the most powerful and cunning Ork Warbosses in history. He has battled Ghazghkull multiple times, even managing to inflict a significant injury to the Warboss, taking out his eye and a portion of his jaw. These encounters, alongside countless other battles against the greenskins, have earned him the moniker “Old Bale Eye” amongst them, a twisted term of respect given to him by Orks who recognize his indomitable spirit and fighting prowess.
Yarrick’s Indomitable Spirit
The Orks recognize a strong fighter when they see one, and Yarrick embodies this in spades. He fights with a ferocity and determination that is almost Orkish in nature. He doesn’t retreat, he doesn’t back down, and even when physically battered, he continues the fight. This level of resilience is something Orks instinctively respect, as it aligns with their own aggressive, relentless nature. For the Orks, Yarrick is a “gud fight,” a challenge they enjoy, rather than just another ‘umie to squash. His unwavering presence and constant engagement with Ork warbands has led to countless battles in which he has managed to defeat or seriously hinder their plans, only further adding to his legend.
A Legend Born of War
Yarrick’s legend is built on more than just a few skirmishes. He was a major force during the Second War for Armageddon, where he became a symbol of Imperial resistance against the invading Ork hordes. His presence and leadership inspired the Imperial Guard, turning an almost certain defeat into a hard-fought struggle. This conflict served as a testament to his tactical genius, martial prowess, and ability to turn the tide of battle. The battles on Armageddon are crucial to Yarrick’s legacy as it is during these wars that he first comes into conflict with Ghazghkull, and his legend begins to spread among the Orks.
Frequently Asked Questions About Orks and Humans
What Do Orks Think of Humans in General?
Generally, Orks view humans as weak and inferior, referring to them as “humies”. They see them as easy targets for raiding and looting, good for a scrap, but not particularly impressive as warriors. This view changes drastically when Orks encounter humans, or other beings, who display exceptional fighting skills, as those enemies are elevated to “gud enemies”.
Do Orks Respect All Powerful Humans?
No, while Orks appreciate a “gud fight,” they primarily respect individuals who actively engage them on the battlefield. They have less reverence for those in positions of power if they aren’t directly involved in the combat. Strength in combat is the primary gauge by which they view other creatures.
How Do Orks View Space Marines?
Orks consider Space Marines to be on par with or even better than an average Ork. They view them as a more formidable challenge, deserving of a good fight. Space Marines often fall into the category of “Beakies.” This is particularly true when Space Marines engage them in close combat.
Are There Any Other Humans Who Have Earned Ork Respect?
While some humans may have earned a grudging respect for specific acts of bravery, none have risen to the legendary status of Yarrick. He remains the most significant example of a human respected by the Orks.
Do Orks Respect the Emperor?
The Emperor is sometimes viewed with a level of awe and respect by Orks, because he is a powerful force in the Imperium, and he is tough. Orks, being a warrior society, recognize his strength and the impact he has on the Imperium they fight against. They see that the Emperor is still there, even with all the constant fighting, and that shows a level of “toughness” that the Orks can understand.
Do Orks Acknowledge Chaos Gods?
Orks primarily believe in their own gods, Gork and Mork. They don’t typically acknowledge the Chaos Gods like Khorne or Nurgle, viewing them as strange and confusing, or simply ignoring them entirely. They are focused on their own gods and way of life.
What About Khorne, the Chaos God of War?
Orks and Khorne, despite both loving war, do not share a connection. Orks see their battles as a fun challenge, fuelled by a desire for the thrill of a good fight. Khorne, however, is focused on slaughter and bloodshed and desires war to be a constant, and not for the joy that the Orks have.
What Do Orks Call Titans and other Large Vehicles?
Orks classify large war machines, such as Titans, Dreadnoughts, and Imperial Knights, under the general term of “Stompy Gitz.” It’s a term that reflects their view of these machines as large, stomping threats.
What is the Difference Between Orks and Orcs from other Fantasy Settings?
Orks in Warhammer 40,000 are vastly different from the Orcs in fantasy settings like Lord of the Rings. Warhammer 40k Orks are a space-faring species with a unique physiology and a complex society driven by their love of fighting. While there are similarities in their aggressive nature, there is little comparison beyond this.
Do Orks Feel Pain?
Orks feel surprisingly little pain. Their physiology is designed to withstand extreme damage and continue fighting. They possess fewer vital organs, making them incredibly resilient to injury. This makes them a formidable enemy even when mortally wounded.
Why Do Orks Say “Waaagh!”?
“Waaagh!” is the Ork war cry, a battle yell that embodies their love of fighting. It is also the name of their psychic force, that when enough Orks gather, generates a psychic field around them. The “Waaagh!” is a powerful force that drives the Orks into battle.
What is the Relationship between Orks and Purple?
Orks believe purple is associated with sneakiness, which is counter to the Orks direct and obvious approach to warfare. However, it is part of the colour based Ork superstition that they use to judge things.
Can an Ork Become a Krork?
Krorks were the original, more powerful version of the Ork, engineered by the Old Ones. It is exceptionally rare for an Ork to spontaneously evolve into a Krork but it has been known to happen. The natural attrition rate within the 40k universe seems to have kept other Orks from maturing into Krorks since the War of the Beast.
Are Orks a Major Threat in Warhammer 40,000?
Orks are one of the most significant threats to the Imperium and the wider galaxy. Their vast numbers, coupled with their inherent love of violence, make them a persistent and dangerous enemy. They are constantly at war, either with other species or amongst themselves.
What Do Orks Love the Most?
Orks love fighting and war above all else. This defines their entire culture, society, and existence. They thrive on the thrill of combat and the glory of a good fight, and that is at the heart of every Ork, right down to their gods, Gork and Mork.
In conclusion, Commissar Sebastian Yarrick stands as a unique figure in the Warhammer 40,000 universe. He is a human who has defied the typical power dynamics by earning the genuine, though begrudging, respect of the Orks through his extraordinary bravery and unending tenacity on the battlefield. His name will forever be etched into the annals of history as the human who earned a place of legendary regard among the green tide.