Squig
Squigs, or Cave Squigs are amongst the most deadly creatures to be found in deep caverns. They are a hybrid of fungus and flesh, with round bodies and enormous mouths.[2a][3a][4a]
Contents
Appearance
Cave Squigs have tough, ball shaped bodies with two taloned feet and a huge gaping mouth filled with slashing teeth. [4a]
Breeds
Squigs can vary wildly in appearance, adapting to their environment. [3a]
- Cave Squigs of the Worlds Edge Mountains come in a variety of colours, although the majority are either bright orange or deep red. [3a]
- Grass Squigs menace the cattle of Averland. [3a]
Legends
Dwarf Loremasters in Karak Kadrin claim that Squigs originally sprung from the blood of Gork (or possibly Mork) where it was spilled on the battlefield long ago in a struggle against Grimnir. [3a]
Night Goblins
Night Goblins hunt Squigs using long forks called 'prodders'.[2a][4a] Squig skins and hides are used to make many different things, including ropes, and Squigs taste delicious roasted.[1] Herders can become very skilled as ineptitude tends to get them swiftly killed and gain considerable reputations within their tribes and beyond. They may even display their abilities through bare-back Squig Riding, Squig Pit Leaping, Squig Wrestling and Tunnel Racing! [4a]
In battle Squigs are herded towards the enemy by Night Goblins equipped with pitchforks, firebrands and drums [1] as they do not like light which hurts their eyes and drives them into a frenzy with the pain. The herders use their prodders to drive them forwards and they will smash into the enemy, biting and gnashing at everything they can reach. This attack is often followed up by net teams to ensare and club enemies senseless. [4b]
Some Night Goblin chieftains keep one as a pet but this requires a high degree of unreasoning optimism and casual bravado and many have one or two chained to their throne. This is a good defense against assassins and followers may regard their leader with a suitable mixture of awe and nervousness. [4a]
Some especially reckless Night Goblins ride Squigs into battle. They have no control over how fast the Squig moves, although they are able to guide the Squig towards the enemy. [3a]
The semi-mythical Great Cave Squig is even more ferocious than a 'normal' Squig. If one is captured it makes an excellent mount for the bravest Night Goblin leaders.[2a]
Notable
The Night Goblin chieftain Skarsnik has a pet Squig called Gobbla, who has a mouth so vast that it can swallow enemies whole.[2b]
Squig Oil
The non-flamable squig oil is a remarkable lubricant, employed in the maintenance of a number of dwarf devices and firearms. [3a]
Gallery
Cave Squigs
Squig Herders
Miniatures
Cave Squigs
Squig Herders and Cave Squigs
A small Squig Herd.
Skarsnik and his pet Squig, Gobbla.
A Night Goblin chieftain on a Great Cave Squig.
Night Goblin Big Boss on Cave Squig
The Chase
Sources
- 1: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins (6th Edition), pg. 18
- 2: Warhammer Armies: Orcs & Goblins (7th Edition)
- 3: The Imperial Zoo (book)
- 3a: Of Squigs and Night Goblins, pg. 26-27
- 4: White Dwarf 155 (UK)
