Gretchin

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In the game world of Warhammer 40,000, Gretchin (also known as Grotz in the Warhammer 40,000 universe) are basically smaller Goblinoids (Orkoids), which are more cowardly than Orks and are usually used as living shields, to clear mine fields, are stepped on to get through difficult terrain, and sometimes even as emergency rations. They are quite low in Goblinoid society (the lowest being Snotlings) and are often used for the dirtiest jobs like scavenging and being used as footballs when the Orks get bored.

They are the sci-fi equivalent of Goblins in the Warhammer Fantasy setting.

While they are not as aggressive as Orks, they enjoy fighting weaker opponents and are less likely to flee if they comfortably outnumber their opponents. In Warhammer 40,000, all Gretchen work as slaves for Orks (although the Warhammer 40,000 spin-off Gorkamorka featured a faction of revolutionary Rebel Grots). As they are a bit more organized than Orks, they are often used to maintain war machines and artillery. Such work is considered by orks as undesirable, because it prevents them from being in the heart of the battle. Gretchin also serve as attendants or "ammo runts" to Ork warlords, assistants to Ork mechanics, and orderlies to Ork doctors.

Because of the mutability of Orks, there is a fine distinction between a large grot and a small Ork to an outsider. The definition is more a subjective one; to an Ork anything bigger than him is a boss and anything smaller is a Grot. There is a clear distinction between orks and gretchin. The gretchin and "orks" are two different sub-species within the Orkoid species. Gretchin do not develop into orks, but insted emerge from their Orkoid Cocoon's prior to the Orks. Even the smallest Orks (Yoofs) are larger than the largest Gretchin. Additional support for this is also said to come from the book Digganob, where Rebel Grots are said to kill young Orks soon after they appear from the spawning grounds, while nuturing newly emerged grots that they find.^[1][2]

[edit] References

1. ^ Johnson, Jervis (1993). Codex: Orks,, 2nd edition, Nottingham: Games Workshop, pp. 64. ISBN 1-872372-95-3. 
2. ^ Chambers, Andy (2001). Codex: Orks,, 3rd edition, Nottingham: Games Workshop, pp. 64. ISBN 1-869893-38-7.