Orks And Mushrooms: What's The Connection?

Orks, also known as Greenskins, are a species of savage, warlike, green-skinned humanoids in the Warhammer 40k universe. They are unique among intelligent species as they possess both animal and fungal physiological features. Orks are not born in the traditional sense but are grown from spores, which are released throughout their lives. These spores grow into a fungal network that eventually matures into Orkoid creatures, including Orks, Gretchin, and Squigs. The Orks' fungal elements are essential to their survival, replacing complex internal organs, the immune system, and the reproductive system. The Orks' animal side, however, suggests a primitive pack-based growth pattern, with Orks relying on each other to hunt for food. This dual nature of Orks, with their tough and resilient fungal-animal composition, makes them a formidable species in the Warhammer 40k universe.

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Orks are a symbiosis of animal and fungus

Orks, also known as Greenskins, are a species of bestial, asexual humanoids with the physiological features of both animals and fungi. They are a pivotal part of Warhammer lore, with a history as violent as it is prolific. They are a symbiosis of animal and fungus, with each component complementing the other to form a tough and resilient creature.

The animal side of Orks suggests a primitive, pack-based, omnivorous growth pattern, with Orks relying on each other to hunt for food. The fungus allows the Ork's body to do away with complex internal organs, an immune system, and reproductive anatomy. This means that Orks have fewer potentially fatal injuries, improving their survivability. The Ork body is filled with a spongy mass of fungal matter, which replaces the bone marrow found in humans. This fungal matter also fills the body cavity, replacing biochemical organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas.

Orks are genetically engineered for combat, with extremely strong muscles and durable bones that can withstand high-velocity impacts. Their skull is thicker than that of a human, and their tusks are likely used for decoration or combat. They have a simple, effective, and durable body, which allows them to fight well. Orks are also unique in their understanding of machinery and technology, with some Orks, known as 'Mekboyz', possessing the innate ability to invent powerful weapons and vehicles.

Orks reproduce by releasing spores, which grow into a plant-like womb underground that nourishes the bodies of various Orkoid species. These spores are released throughout an Ork's life and can lead to new Orks, Gretchin, and Squigs springing up, making them challenging to eradicate. The largest and strongest Orks, known as Warbosses, release more spores, contributing to the propagation of their species.

They are born from spores

Orks are a species of bestial, asexual humanoids that possess the physiological features of both animals and fungi. They are not born in the traditional sense but are grown from spores. These spores are released by Orks throughout their lives, with a particularly large sample being expelled upon death. The spores grow into a fungal network underground, which eventually matures into Orkoid creatures, including Orks, Gretchin, and Squigs. The largest and strongest Orks, known as Warbosses or Warlords, release significantly more spores than smaller Orks, thus contributing to the propagation of their species.

Orks are a symbiosis of animal and fungus, with each component complementing the other to form a tough and resilient creature. The fungus allows the Ork's body to negate the use of complex internal organs, the immune system, and the reproductive anatomy. This reduces the number of potentially fatal injuries and improves the Ork's survivability. The Ork's animal side suggests a primitive pack-based omnivorous growth pattern, with Orks relying on each other to hunt for food.

The spores released by Orks grow into a plant-like womb underground that nourishes the bodies of various Orkoid species. This is the basis of the Orkoid ecosystem, producing Squigs, Snotlings, Gretchin, and finally, the Orks themselves. Snotlings cultivate the Squigs and fungus, while Gretchin build the settlements. The Orkoid ecosystem is not just a race but a whole ecosystem, and when Orks invade new worlds, this ecosystem grows and spreads.

Orks have a large multi-chambered stomach that feeds a crude renal system. The body cavity is filled with a "fungal soup" that replaces biochemical organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas. The bones of an Ork are thick, hard, and durable, with a core of spongy fungal matter that replaces human bone marrow. The Ork brain is quite large, similar in structure to that of a human or Eldar, but oriented vertically. The most developed part of the Ork brain is the old brain, which controls more base functions and explains their natural aggression and pack hunting strategies.

Orks photosynthesise

Orks are a species of humanoid that possess both animal and fungal physiological features. They are a symbiosis of both animal and fungus, with the fungus living in harmony inside the Ork. The fungus fills the Ork's body cavity, replacing its internal organs with a 'fungal soup' that performs the functions of the liver, kidney, spleen, pancreas and other organs. The bones of Orks also contain a spongy fungal matter, replacing human bone marrow.

Orks are photosynthetic, but they also eat food, mainly Squigs. They have gills located around their bodies for oxygen absorption. Their multi-chambered stomachs feed a crude renal system, giving them a strong internal system. The fungus allows the Ork to reduce the number of potentially fatal injuries, as it negates the need for complex internal organs, an immune system and reproductive anatomy.

Orks are created from spores, which they release throughout their lives, with a particularly large sample being expelled upon death. These spores grow into a fungal network underground, which eventually matures into Orkoid creatures, including Gretchin and Squigs, as well as Orks themselves. The largest Orks, known as Warbosses, release the most spores, contributing to the propagation of their species.

Orks are known for their warlike nature and their instinctive love for battle and chaos. They are also unique in their understanding of machinery and technology, with some Orks, known as 'Mekboyz', possessing the innate ability to invent powerful weapons and vehicles.

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They have a multi-chambered stomach

Orks, also known as Greenskins, are a species of savage, warlike, green-skinned humanoids that possess both animal and fungal physiological features. They are a unique species of intelligent xenos, with a simple yet durable body that is genetically engineered for combat.

The Orks' internal organs are simple and effective, relying heavily on their fungal elements. They possess a large multi-chambered stomach that feeds a crude renal system. This multi-chambered stomach is an essential component of the Orks' robust internal system.

The multi-chambered stomach works in conjunction with a body-cavity filling 'fungal soup', which replaces the traditional biochemical organs such as the liver, kidney, spleen, and pancreas. This fungal soup gives Orks an intensely strong internal system, despite its basic design. It is worth noting that the Orks' bones are thick, hard, and durable, capable of withstanding high-velocity impacts without sustaining fractures or damage.

The unique structure of the Orks' internal system, including the multi-chambered stomach, contributes to their resilience and combat prowess. Their bodies are designed for survival and combat, with a strong internal system that enhances their overall toughness. The multi-chambered stomach, as part of this system, showcases the symbiosis of animal and fungal characteristics within the Orks' physiology.

The multi-chambered stomach also reflects the Orks' overall approach to creation and survival. Orks are known to have a unique understanding of machinery and technology, often producing powerful weapons and inventive vehicles. Their internal system, including the multi-chambered stomach, demonstrates a similar ingenuity in utilising fungal elements to enhance their physical capabilities and ensure their dominance in combat.

Orks are genetically engineered for combat

Orks, also called Greenskins, are a species of bestial, asexual humanoids who are spread across the galaxy. They are unique among intelligent species in that they possess both animal and fungal physiological features. Orks are a biologically-engineered species, created more than 60 million Terran years ago as a warrior race called the Krork by the reptilian alien species known as the Old Ones or Brain Boyz. The Brain Boyz genetically engineered the Orks' DNA to include a ""techno-gene," which develops as they grow, influencing their minds and releasing genetically encoded knowledge about combat, weapons operation, and language. This genetic engineering has made Orks extremely resilient, with immense physical strength and a tolerance for pain. They are also functionally immortal and capable of easily reattaching limbs.

The structure and design of the Ork body further indicate that they are genetically engineered for combat. Their squat bodies can withstand immense punishment due to their thick bones and tough skulls, which can sustain high-velocity impacts without fracture. The Ork brain is oriented vertically and is similar in structure to that of a human or Eldar, with the most developed part being the old brain, controlling base functions such as their natural aggression and pack hunting strategies. The fungal element of their physiology allows Orks to negate the need for complex internal organs, an immune system, and reproductive anatomy, reducing the potential for fatal injuries and improving their survivability.

The Ork's method of reproduction through spores also contributes to their success as a genetically engineered combat species. When Orks invade new worlds, their ecosystem expands, and they become extremely difficult to eradicate. The spores grow into a plant-like womb underground, giving rise to various Orkoid species, including Squigs, Snotlings, Gretchin, and finally, the Orks themselves. This ensures a constant supply of food, slaves, and other resources, supporting their warlike nature and expansion.

The Orks' genetic engineering has resulted in a species that is incredibly resilient, aggressive, and well-suited for combat. Their unique combination of animal and fungal characteristics, along with their spore-based reproduction, has allowed them to prosper and become more numerous than humanity. While they may lack the mental acuity of other species, their innate knowledge of combat and technology gives them a significant advantage in their warlike pursuits.

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