Warhammer 40,000: Ork Runtherd & Gretchin
Small ladz. Big attitude. Absolutely no respect for health and safety.
Every Ork warband needs bodies to hold the line, grab the loot, and get under the enemy's feet. That's where the Gretchin come in. These pint-sized troublemakers may lack the muscle of a proper Ork Boy, but they make up for it with numbers, enthusiasm, and a remarkable talent for being somewhere the enemy doesn't want them.
Keeping the little runts in line is the job of the Runtherd, an Ork overseer armed with a whip and a healthy disregard for workplace regulations. Together, this mob brings character, tactical utility, and plenty of classic Orky mischief to your Warhammer 40,000 army.
What's their role on the battlefield?
Gretchin aren't elite fighters. They're an inexpensive support unit that helps your bigger, meaner Orks get on with the important business of krumpin'.
Hold objectives: Use your Gretchin to occupy objectives while your more dangerous units advance toward the fighting. Sometimes winning means standing in the right place rather than killing everything in sight.
Generate resources: Gretchin can help your army generate additional Command points through their objective-related abilities. Check your current datasheet for the precise conditions.
Screen your army: Their numbers make them useful for screening vulnerable units, blocking enemy movement, and making it harder for opponents to reach your more valuable models.
Add bodies without breaking the budget: When you need another unit to round out your army list, Gretchin offer a practical way to fill a battlefield role without spending many points.
Bring character to your collection: The Runtherd and his unruly charges are packed with personality, making them fun models to paint and a great addition to an Ork display.
Current points cost: Points values depend on the current Ork rules and army-list configuration. The cost can distinguish a Gretchin mob with a Runtherd from one without, so check the latest Munitorum Field Manual before finalizing your list.
Weapons and equipment
The mob relies on simple, improvised weapons rather than heavy firepower.
Grot Blastas: Small firearms that give the Gretchin a little ranged punch. Don't expect them to replace your Boyz as the army's primary damage dealers.
Close Combat Weapons: Knives, improvised implements, and whatever else the little runts can get their hands on.
Runtherd's equipment: The overseer carries his characteristic herding gear and a slugga, helping keep the mob in line while contributing a little extra fighting power.
This kit is primarily about adding a complete Gretchin mob to your army, not choosing between multiple specialist weapon loadouts. Follow the current datasheet for the legal equipment configuration.
What's in the box?
1 multipart plastic Ork Runtherd
10 multipart plastic Gretchin
11 miniatures in total
Individual round bases for the models
The kit includes a variety of head options, giving you opportunities to add individuality to your mob.
Please note: Miniatures are supplied unassembled and unpainted. Glue, paints, and hobby tools are sold separately.
Painting your Runtherd & Gretchin
This mob is an excellent painting project for beginners and experienced hobbyists alike. Their small size makes them quick to paint, while their varied faces, clothing, weapons, and equipment let you experiment with different colours and techniques.
Suggested Citadel Colour paints:
Gretchin skin: Waaagh! Flesh base, Warboss Green layer, and Skarsnik Green highlights for a classic green complexion.
Clothing: Use contrasting browns, greys, muted reds, or dirty yellows to give each Gretchin a little individuality.
Leather and straps: Rhinox Hide with Gorthor Brown highlights.
Metal weapons and tools: Leadbelcher shaded with Nuln Oil, then lightly highlighted with Ironbreaker.
Teeth and bone: Zandri Dust, Agrax Earthshade, and Ushabti Bone.
Runtherd's details: Give his clothing and equipment stronger colours than the Gretchin to help him stand out as the boss of the mob.
Beginner tip: Paint all the green skin together, then move through the clothing, metal, and details in batches. A quick wash and a few highlights will bring the whole mob to life without requiring hours of work on every tiny miniature.
Is this the right kit for you?
Choose Runtherd & Gretchin if you're building an Ork army, need inexpensive objective-support units, or want a fun group of miniatures to practise your painting skills. They're particularly useful for players who want to make room in their army list for more exciting heavy hitters while still covering essential battlefield jobs.
You don't need to be the biggest or toughest lad on the battlefield to help your Waaagh! win. Sometimes you just need ten little troublemakers, one angry overseer, and a plan to get in everybody's way.
Add a mob of Gretchin to your Waaagh! and let the little runts earn their keep.
